New Delhi, March 23: MP Satnam Singh Sandhu emphasized the need for a comprehensive metro rail network to sustain the rapid urbanization of Chandigarh and its neighboring towns. The MP stated that the Tricity is one of the fastest-growing urban clusters in North India, acting as a central node for cities including Zirakpur, Kharar, and Panchkula.
Sandhu asserted that the current reliance on private transport is unsustainable, citing data that shows an average of 104 new vehicles are added to Chandigarh’s roads every day. He declared that a well-planned metro system would alleviate the burden on existing infrastructure and facilitate smoother movement for the 2.5 lakh passengers expected to use the service daily by 2031. The MP also highlighted that the extension of usage for older vehicles has further congested the city’s arteries, making a transition to rail-based transit imperative.
The proposed 114 km network is slated to feature three elevated lines. Sandhu affirmed that the Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) has already prepared a Detailed Project Report focusing on phase-wise implementation. He maintained that the first 89 km of the project would provide a vital link between major commercial and residential zones, ensuring that the average travel time remains manageable as the regional population grows.
“Metro rail is the need of the hour,” Sandhu declared, requesting the Central Government to consider the development on a priority basis. He maintained that the expansion of such infrastructure across India over the last decade provides a successful blueprint for the Tricity. The MP asserted that the project would not only solve traffic woes but also establish Chandigarh as a benchmark for regional development and environmental sustainability.
