New government may put second phase of Jaipur Metro on fast track

The change in the government may put the second phase of Jaipur metro on fast track. Development of the second phase remains crucial for the ambitious mass transport project launched by Congress government.

A flagship project of the then chief minister Ashok Gehlot,  was put on a slow track by the Vasundhara Raje government. 

While the first part of the phase 1 between Mansarovar and Chandpol was constructed during the tenure of the Gehlot government, its second part from Chandpol to Badi Chaupar is still in its final stage. 

The second phase meanwhile has remained still as the Raje government ordered the review of the project report. 

“A new comprehensive mobility plan has been drafted earlier this year and accordingly a new project report for the second phase is under consideration. The process is expected to advance after formation of the state government,” says an official at Jaipur metro. 

The second phase proposed between Sitapura and Amba Bari will connect with the phase 1 at Sindhi Camp station. In the initial detail project report prepared by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the phase was proposed to be 18km long and estimated to cost nearly Rs 5,600 crore. The new mobility plan recommends to extend the route a little more. 

Development of the corridor has even emerged as a political issue before elections. Congress had charged the BJP government with neglecting the project while BJP had promised to develop the second phase if voted back to power. 

However, despite a change in government, the cost and feasibility consideration makes the track bumpy for the project. It has been established that DMRC had used unrealistic projections while planning the detailed project report and the CAG too had raised objections on its feasibility. The second phase is also been proposed on public-private partnership model and thus will have to find suitable investors before work on it advances on ground.

Bumpy Ride

However, despite a change in government, the cost and feasibility consideration makes the track bumpy for the project. It has been established that DMRC had used unrealistic projections while planning the detailed project report. The second phase is also been proposed on public-private partnership model and thus will have to find suitable investors.