Hey Brother! If you’ve been waiting for the Doon Metro dream to come true, there’s finally a glimmer of hope on the horizon. After seven long years of waiting, the Neo Metro project in Dehradun is gearing up to bring the metro dream back to life. Let’s dive into what’s happening and what the future holds for this ambitious project.
The Neo Metro Proposal: Two Options on the Table 🚇
The Dehradun Metro project has faced numerous challenges and delays over the years. However, with the introduction of Neo Metro, there’s renewed optimism. The project has prepared two proposals, and a decision will soon be made about which one to pursue:
- State-Funded Option: The first proposal suggests that the state government will finance the Neo Metro project using its resources.
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP): The second proposal involves developing the Neo Metro through a public-private partnership, bringing in private investment and expertise.
A high-power committee, led by the Chief Secretary, will evaluate these options and decide which one best serves public interest. Urban Development Minister Prem Chand Agarwal has emphasized that work benefiting the public won’t be halted, and a decision is expected soon.
Why Neo Metro? 🤔
The Neo Metro is designed to offer several advantages over traditional metro systems:
- Cost-Effective: With an estimated cost of ₹23 crore, the Neo Metro is more affordable than conventional metro systems.
- Flexible Design: Unlike traditional metro systems that require rail tracks, Neo Metro operates on roads using overhead wires for power. This design allows it to easily navigate steep gradients.
- Future-Ready: The system can be upgraded to a light metro in the future as traffic demands increase, providing scalability without significant additional costs.
Current State of the Project 🔄
- Previous Investments: The Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation (UKMRC) has already spent ₹40 crore on metro planning. However, the project has yet to see significant progress due to bureaucratic and financial hurdles.
- Pending Central Approval: The original metro project proposal is still pending approval from the central government. Despite assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the project has not moved forward as expected.
Evolution of the Project 📜
Over the years, the Dehradun Metro project has undergone several iterations:
- Metro Train: The initial vision for a full-fledged metro system.
- LRT Train: A proposed light rail transit system.
- Neo Metro: The current focus, offering a more feasible alternative.
- Cable Metro: Considered as an option but not pursued.
- Rubber Tyre Metro: Proposed for flexibility and cost-efficiency.
- Pod Taxi: An alternative currently being explored, with drone surveys conducted.