Context:

• The state government has allotted Rs 1,185 crore to extend the Mansarovar to Badi Chaupar metro corridor at both ends for construction of approximately 4.85km.
• The step is intended to connect two important highways — Ajmer and Agra road with metro rail network.

Key Points:

• The Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC) plans to extend the East-West metro corridor from Badi Chaupar to Transport Nagar.
• Similarly, to provide Metro connectivity till 200-Feet Bypass junction on Ajmer Road plans are afoot to construct a 2 km elevated stretch from Mansarovar station.
• Once constructed, the length of the existing 12km east-west corridor from Mansarovar to Badi Chaupar will be increased upto approximately 17 km.
• Earlier, the corporation had prepared a detailed project report (DPR) of phase-1C from Badi Chaupar to Transport Nagar and sought public suggestions.
• According to the DPR, the estimated project cost will be Rs 866 crore, including cost of land and taxes, if the project is completed by March 2025.
• In the Budget, state government announced to connect satellite towns including Chaksu, Bassi, Chomu, Chandwaji, Bagru, Phagi with Metro Neo after preparing the project Detail Project Report (DPR) .
• The state government in the budget, however, did not make allocations for the long pending Jaipur Metro phase-II, a 23.5 km corridor, proposed to be constructed between India Gate and Ambabari on Tonk Road, despite the CM’s announcement to revise the DPR of the project.
• According to the Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC)  officials, the Jaipur metro phase II at Tonk road is conflicting with JDA’s signal free project. As some modifications are required, the project has not been taken in this budget.
• Experts believe that the government should have considered the metro on Tonk Road as a corridor, which runs from south to north and connects all major areas.
• As per the detailed project report, it links different areas like Sitapura Industrial Area, Pratap Nagar, Sanganer, Sitabari, Bapu Nagar, Rambagh, C-Scheme, Chandpole, Bani Park, Sirampura, Ambabari, prominent hospitals like SMS Hospital, Apollo Spectra, Zanana and Jaipur International Airport.
• However, the concerned officials have cited congestion as a reason and have argued that the congestion would have reduced, if this corridor was constructed.

By: A D Singh