Metro project hangs in fire in Chandigarh as Punjab refuses to give 21 acres of land in Mullapur, know the reason

Chandigarh: The metro project in Chandigarh is once again stalled. Despite repeated reminders from the Chandigarh administration, Punjab has not provided 21 acres of land in New Chandigarh for the construction of a metro depot.

Consequently, this project is now poised for a delay because the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this project was supposed to be prepared by March, which has not yet been completed due to the lack of land. Only after the DPR report is prepared can it be submitted to the central government. The total cost of the project is Rs 10,500 crore.

Initially, the land was supposed to be allocated in Sultanpur village of New Chandigarh, but the Punjab government refused, citing expensive land and other reasons.

Subsequently, an alternative location was proposed in a meeting with the Chandigarh Administration. The new land was to be allocated in Parol village, but due to the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) imposed there, there has been a delay.

On January 15 in New Delhi, the Urban Development Ministry of the Central Government suggested running a two-coach metro in the first phase in the tricity. The Ministry also questioned the construction of Metro tracks underground due to the heritage status, proposing the consideration of an elevated track instead.

A report has been requested from the Chandigarh administration, which has issued a letter opposing the construction of an elevated track. Underground tracks would cost 3 to 4 times more than elevated tracks.