Srinagar metro stalled
Srinagar, Oct 5: Six years after the first blueprint was approved, Srinagar’s dream of a metro still waits at the starting line.
The Rs 4893 crore project, designed to modernise urban mobility and ease city congestion, remains stalled pending central approval, leaving Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government under pressure to turn government’s the long-delayed initiative into reality.
A senior official from the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD) said, “Originally slated to begin construction in September 2024, the project is still awaiting formal approval from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). While the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by RITES Ltd has been submitted, the green signal from the ministry has yet to be received. Without this clearance, crucial preparatory consultations with agencies such as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) or other implementation partners have not taken place, and no revised timeline for execution can be established.”
The official said, “At this stage, the fate of the project is unclear. Unless there is strong intervention at the political and administrative level, the proposal may continue to remain in cold storage.”
The proposed Srinagar metro corridor is planned to cover 25 km with 24 stations along two stretches: a 12.5 km route from Indira Nagar to HMT Junction and another 12.5 km segment from Hazuri Bagh to Osmanabad.
Jammu is also expected to have a parallel 23-km metro line, with an estimated cost of Rs 3590 crore, bringing the combined infrastructure investment in J&K close to Rs 8000 crore.
The ‘Elevated Metrolite’ system aims to make Srinagar and Jammu the first non-major cities in India to operate functional rapid transit networks.
The metro is designed to run 17 hours daily in summer and 14 hours in winter, using modern, lightweight, air-conditioned coaches constructed from stainless steel and aluminum.
An official from the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) said, “This project has the potential to transform urban mobility in Srinagar. The DPR has been aligned with current traffic and population growth projections. Once operational, it can significantly reduce travel time and enhance the city’s liveability index.”
Urban analysts say that such infrastructure could dramatically reshape mobility patterns, reduce dependency on private vehicles, and boost productivity in congested commercial zones.
Central areas of Srinagar, including Lal Chowk and Residency Road, experience severe gridlocks, with journey times often tripling during peak hours.
Business operators report significant revenue losses, while emergency services frequently struggle to navigate heavy traffic, underlining the socio-economic impact of the city’s inadequate transport infrastructure.
Despite these potential benefits, the project has been delayed by administrative and procedural bottlenecks.
The Public Investment Board (PIB) of MoHUA had approved the initiative years ago, but cabinet discussion and formal sanction – critical for implementation - have not yet been completed.
A senior planning expert associated with the project said, “The delay is largely procedural. Once cabinet approval is granted, the tendering process and preparatory works can begin swiftly. However, given the scale and technical nature of the project, even after sanction, it would take at least four to five years before the first line becomes operational.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government, which took office 11 months ago, now faces the challenge of reviving the stalled project.
Citizens and urban planners are keenly observing whether the administration would prioritise this mega infrastructure initiative, especially given the six-year delay since an elected government last had the mandate to take concrete decisions on the metro.
An official from the Planning Department said, “The government is aware of the importance of this project. It’s not just about transport; it’s about shaping the future growth and economic potential of Srinagar. Discussions are already underway to take up the matter with the Centre at the earliest.”
Urban planning experts emphasise that while the metro offers a long-term solution, complementary measures such as upgrading roads, expanding public bus services, and implementing effective traffic management strategies are urgently needed to alleviate immediate congestion issues.
