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Nashik's Neo Metro project, envisioned as a modern urban transit system, has remained stalled for nearly eight years despite receiving state-level approval. Planned as a rubber-tyred, air-conditioned metro spanning about 32 km, the project was estimated at INR 2,092 crore and was highlighted in the Union Budget. However, the absence of Union Cabinet approval and changing traffic patterns following the start of airport operations have led authorities to reassess its feasibility. Maha Metro is now studying alternative transit models better suited to the city's current mobility needs.
The proposed Neo Metro project in Nashik, intended to address the city's growing traffic congestion and urban mobility requirements, has seen little progress even after several years of planning. The project was designed as an elevated transit system using rubber-tyred, air-conditioned coaches, running across two corridors with a combined length of around 32 km. The estimated project cost stood at INR 2,092 crore, and the plan was included in the Union Budget for 2021-22, indicating early policy support. Advertisement
The concept of a Neo Metro for Nashik was first put forward following the civic elections, with the Maharashtra government approving the detailed project report in 2019. Maha Metro was appointed as the implementing agency, and the project was positioned as a cost-effective alternative to conventional metro rail systems. At the time, it was expected to improve connectivity across key parts of the city while reducing pressure on existing road networks.
Despite state approval, the project failed to receive clearance from the Union Cabinet, a mandatory step for moving forward. This lack of central approval effectively halted execution, with no construction activity taking place on the ground. Over the years, Nashik's urban landscape has also changed, particularly with the commencement of airport operations, altering traffic flows and travel demand patterns across the city.
Officials now acknowledge that the assumptions made during the initial planning stage may no longer fully reflect present-day conditions. As a result, advisers to the Prime Minister have asked Maha Metro to examine urban transit systems implemented in other countries and assess whether alternative models could be more suitable for Nashik. Fresh mobility studies are being undertaken to reassess passenger demand, route alignment, and system capacity.
Discussions have also included the possibility of integrating any future mass-transit system with other transport infrastructure, such as intercity rail and bus networks. However, a final decision on whether the Neo Metro concept will be revised, replaced, or formally dropped is yet to be taken, and approvals from central authorities remain pending.
Perhaps a so efficient but less expensive solution with the same trolleybus vehicle would have better chances to succeed pdebano@sfr.fr
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