Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) reports significant progress in Nagpur Metro Phase II, having acquired over 50% of the 9-hectare land required. With 80% of the land secured for construction, work on Reach 2, connecting Automotive Square to Kanhan, has commenced. The INR 6,708 crore project, funded by international institutions and government contributions, is set for completion by December 2027. The Khairi Phata casting yard is producing the 2,400 precast segments needed. Current ridership stands at over 80,000 daily, with a goal of 200,000 by 2025.
The development of Metro Phase II in Nagpur is making significant progress as the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) reports that it has acquired over 50% of the land required for this important project. This phase will expand the metro network, connecting the outer areas of Nagpur with the city's transportation system.
For Phase II, a total of 9 hectares of land is required, which includes 36,626 square metres of government land and 53,809 square metres of privately owned land. During a recent media briefing, Sharavan Hardikar, managing director of MahaMetro, stated that permission for construction on 80% of the acquired land has been successfully secured, and work has already commenced. He mentioned that the entire project is estimated to cost INR 6,708 crore and is expected to be completed by December 2027. Currently, workers are focused on Reach 2, which will connect Automotive Square to Kanhan. Additional construction on other sectors of the project is expected to begin in the coming months.
One of the key components of the construction process is the Khairi Phata casting yard. Here, workers fabricate precast segments that form the elevated Metro tracks. An engineer at the site indicated that while foundations and pillars are built on-site, the large concrete segments are prepared in the yard and then transported for assembly. At present, 25 segments have been produced, with plans to create an additional 150 segments in the upcoming month. Remarkably, a total of 2,400 segments are required for just the 7-kilometre stretch of Reach 2.
Funding for the Phase II project is being supported by international financial institutions, including the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), along with contributions from both the central and state governments. Hardikar revealed that approximately INR 900 crore has already been received for the project, allowing for continued development.
Metro Phase II is not just about expanding public transport; it also aims to significantly increase ridership. The goal is to achieve an average daily ridership of 200,000 by the end of 2025. As of now, the Metro system generates INR 4 crore in revenue each month, with an average daily ridership of over 80,000, peaking above 90,000 early in August. Notably, the Metro's revenue streams are not limited to passenger fares; commercial leasing and advertisement partnerships contribute significantly to its income.
This Urban Mobility project demonstrates a commitment to enhancing transport infrastructures in Nagpur, promising to improve connectivity for residents and promote sustainable urban development. As construction progresses, the focus will be on maintaining the pace of work and ensuring timely completion to meet the city's growing transit needs.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
