Jammu (NVI): Srinagar and Jammu cities of recently-formed Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have elevated light rail system by December, 2024.
The project, which will cost Rs 10,559 crore, was granted approval by Administrative Council which met under the Chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu for inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth process.
An efficient urban transport system including Mass Rapid Transportation System (MRTS) is essential, an official statement said.
“Keeping this objective in view, Elevated Light Rail Systems have been conceived for Srinagar and Jammu cities to provide “best-in-class” mobility in terms of safe, reliable, convenient, cost effective and sustainable public transport system,” it said.
“This will not only facilitate easy and quick movement of people but also have a positive impact on the economy and quality of life in these cities,” it added.
The Light Rail Transit System (LRTS) in Jammu will have one corridor from Bantalab to Bari Brahmana with a total length of 23 kilometers.
The LRTS in Srinagar will have two corridors, one from Indira Nagar to HMT Junction and second from Usmanabad to Hazuri Bagh, with a total length of 25 kilometers.
The capital cost of the project, at current prices, including land, rehabilitation and resettlement and taxes is estimated to be Rs 4825 crore for Jammu LRTS and Rs 5734 crore for Srinagar LRTS.
The Housing and Urban Development Department has prepared the final DPRs.
The Administrative Council authorized the Housing and Urban Development Department to submit the DPRs of the proposals to Government of India, for appraisal and funding including external funding.
The expected ridership of this light rail has been estimated to be 2-2.6 lakh by 2024 which is expected to increase upto 5.42 lakh by 2044 in each city.
