In a significant move to boost metro connectivity in the region, the Network Planning Group has approved Lucknow Metro’s East – West corridor between Charbagh to Vasant Kunj in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, NPG has also approved Balaram-Tentuloi and Budhapank-Luburi new railway line projects in Odisha.
More Details:
The Network Planning Group (NPG) has recently approved the Lucknow Metro’s East-West Corridor, extending from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, NPG has given the green light to two new railway line projects in Odisha: the Balaram-Tentuloi and Budhapank-Luburi lines. These approvals are expected to enhance transportation infrastructure and facilitate improved connectivity in their respective regions.
What is NPG Meeting:
- The 74th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under PM Gati Shakti was convened in New Delhi under the chairpersonship of Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur.
- The meeting focused on evaluating five significant infrastructure projects from the Ministry of Railways (MoR), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
- These projects were assessed for their alignment with the principles of integrated planning outlined in the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP).
- NPG evaluated all the projects from the perspective of principles of PM Gati-Shakti i.e., integrated development of multimodal infrastructure development, last mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, intermodal connectivity and possible synchronised implementation of the projects.
- These projects are expected to play pivotal roles for nation-building, integrating various modes of transport, and providing substantial socio-economic benefits and ease of living, thereby contributing to the overall development of the regions.
Lucknow Metro Rail Project Phase I-B East – West Corridor (Charbagh to Vasant Kunj) in Uttar Pradesh:
- This project involves extending the Lucknow Metro corridor by 11.165 kilometres to address the city’s growing transportation needs.
- While the existing metro line caters to 80,000 passengers per day (PPD), this additional new line is expected to cater to an additional 200,000 PPD.
- This proposed new corridor will serve the city’s most densely settled central business districts (CBDs), including Aminabad, Alambagh, Faizabad and Charbagh area.
- The stations are proposed to be strategically located to seamlessly connect points of interchange through foot over bridges (FoBs) and underpasses.
- The project is expected to cost INR 5,801 Crores and aims to reduce congestion, vehicular pollution, and enhance public transport accessibility through an integrated network.
- The development plan emphasises the use of renewable energy through rooftop installations to reduce conventional energy consumption.
Balaram – Tentuloi New Railway Line (MCRL Phase II) in Odisha:
- This greenfield project involves the construction of a 49.58 km rail line at an estimated cost of INR 1,404 Crores in Angul district to provide vital first-mile rail connectivity for 11 coal blocks.
- It aims to reduce logistics costs for industries and generate employment, thus contributing to regional development.
- The project is expected to significantly enhance the transport efficiency of coal, benefiting both the local economy and the broader industrial landscape of the state of Odisha.
Budhapank – Luburi New Railway Line (MCRL Outer Corridor) in Odisha:
- Spanning 106 kilometres, this greenfield rail line at an estimated project cost of INR 3,478 Crores will support efficient coal evacuation from the Mahanadi River Basin.
- The proposed alignment facilitates the transportation of coal from Talcher Coalfields, providing first-mile rail connectivity to 21 coal blocks reducing the average distance to rail head from 43 km to 4.2 km enhancing logistical efficiency and reducing costs for core industries like iron and steel.
Conclusion:
The approval of the Lucknow Metro’s East-West Corridor and the new railway line projects by the Network Planning Group marks a pivotal advancement in regional transportation infrastructure. These projects are poised to significantly enhance connectivity, streamline travel, and support economic growth in Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.
Source: PIB – Press Release | Image Credit (representational): UPMRC
Join us for the upcoming 5th Rail & Metro Technology Conclave with 700+ Top Rail & Metro Industry Leaders on 23rd & 24th July, 2024 in New Delhi, India. Register here and participate in the summit.
