Haryana delay hinders Tricity Metro Project

The Chandigarh administration has been awaiting Haryana's financial contribution for the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Tricity Metro project. The Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), responsible for the comprehensive mobility plan for Tricity, has requested written consent from the administration to initiate DPR preparations.

However, DPR work will not commence until all outstanding payments are made. While Punjab has already submitted its financial contribution in August, Haryana has been reminded to do the same.

A senior officer from the Chandigarh administration stated, "We are waiting for Haryana's contribution. RITES is seeking permission to start DPR preparations. We have been informed that Haryana is facing an issue regarding the source of funds – it must either come from the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikarant (HSVP) or they have to establish a new funding source. Punjab has contributed funds from the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA)."

In August, the Punjab government provided Rs 137 million as its share for preparing the Metro project's DPR, with Haryana expected to release a similar amount.

In July, the Chandigarh administration decided to involve stakeholders, including Haryana and Punjab, in preparing the Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) and a DPR for the metro rail, following Government of India guidelines.

The DPR is expected to cost Rs 654 million and should be ready by March 2024, followed by further approvals. The funding structure for the entire Metro project comprises 20 per cent from the states, 20 per cent from the Centre, and the remaining 60 per cent from a lending agency. The estimated cost of the Metro project is approximately Rs 105.70 billion.

RITES has already presented guidelines, procedures, and policies for planning the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) in accordance with the Metro Rail Policy issued by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. After discussions, UT officials decided to prepare an AAR and DPR according to the Centre's guidelines. Once approved by the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA)/state government, these documents will be submitted to the Government of India for final approval, with Punjab and Haryana included in the process.