The Rajasthan government plans to finalise a joint venture with the Union government for Jaipur Metro's expansion, covering the Badi Chaupar-Transport Nagar and Mansarovar-200 Feet Bypass routes. Under the model, the state and Union governments will each contribute 20% of the project cost, with 60% financed through a soft loan. This shift aims to alleviate the financial burden on Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC), which struggles with repaying a INR 969 crore ADB loan. While political disputes over route realignments pose challenges, the joint venture could expedite completion, enhancing urban mobility, reducing congestion, and supporting Jaipur's growing infrastructure demands.
The Rajasthan government is working to finalise a joint venture with the Union government for the expansion of Jaipur Metro's new lines. These include the Badi Chaupar-Transport Nagar route and the Mansarovar-200 Feet Bypass stretch. This model will allow the state government to contribute only 20% of the project cost, while the Union government will provide another 20%, and the remaining 60% will be financed through a soft loan, according to Urban Development and Housing (UDH) Department Secretary Vaibhav Galriya.
Currently, Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC) is the only metro operator in the country not operating under a joint venture model. The shift to this funding structure could ease the financial burden on the state government, particularly as JMRC has struggled with repaying a INR 969 crore loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) used to fund the second phase of the metro.
While construction on the Mansarovar-200 Feet Bypass route (Line 1D) is ongoing, work on the Badi Chaupar-Transport Nagar route (Line 1C) has been stalled since September. The proposed joint venture is expected to expedite the completion of both projects, ensuring improved connectivity for Jaipur residents.
Meanwhile, a request from Hawa Mahal MLA Balmukund Acharya to realign the metro route from Badi Chaupar to Ramgarh Mod via Amer Road has sparked political tensions. Congress MLA Amin Kagzi of Kishanpole has opposed the move, citing concerns about escalating project costs and delays. Kagzi has even threatened to take the matter to court if the realignment is approved.
Despite political debates and financial hurdles, the joint venture model offers a promising way forward for Jaipur Metro's expansion. Once operational, the extended metro lines are expected to enhance urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and support Jaipur's growing infrastructure needs. For the state, this partnership could pave the way for more efficient project execution in the future.
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