Nagpur Metro Phase 2 Accelerates with Lok Vihar Station Leading the Charge
Nagpur's ambitious Metro Phase 2 project is witnessing significant momentum, with the Lok Vihar Metro station on the Kamptee Road corridor firmly on track to become the network's first operational station under this expansion phase. Authorities have set a targeted deadline of September this year for its commissioning, marking a crucial milestone in the city's urban transit development.
Overcoming Delays to Meet Revised Schedule
The construction timeline faced substantial challenges last year, primarily due to a prolonged monsoon season that disrupted activities for several months. Additionally, a shortage of sand during October and November further impacted progress, leading to partial work halts at multiple construction sites. To mitigate this, contractors have now adapted by utilizing both natural and crushed sand to ensure continuity.
A senior MahaMetro official confirmed that the core civil and structural work for Lok Vihar station was successfully completed in February. "The focus has now shifted to the final leg of development," the official stated. "This encompasses interior design, painting, system installations, and various finishing touches. Work is intensifying to adhere to the revised commissioning schedule."
Lok Vihar: Designated as a Model Station
Lok Vihar is being developed as a 'model station', setting a benchmark for quality and design within the Phase 2 network. The Kamptee corridor, officially designated as Reach 2, stretches from Automotive Square to Kanhan. Currently, construction is actively underway at 11 out of the 12 stations planned on this corridor, with foundation and superstructure work progressing steadily across multiple locations.
Comprehensive Progress Across Phase 2 Corridors
According to MahaMetro, work on all corridors under Phase 2—Kamptee, Wardha, Hingna, and Bhandara—is advancing rapidly. Specific progress metrics for the Kamptee corridor include:
- 333 out of 487 piers (over 68%) have been erected.
- 159 out of 488 girder spans (approximately 35%) have been completed.
- Construction is ongoing on steel bridges and balanced cantilever structures.
Out of the total 32 stations planned under Phase 2, construction activities are currently active at more than 26 stations. On Reach 3 (Lokmanya Nagar to Hingna), Hingna Mount View is anticipated to emerge as the lead station, while Transport Nagar is expected to assume that role on Reach 4. However, both these stations remain at relatively earlier stages of development compared to the advanced progress at Lok Vihar.
Installation of Critical Infrastructure Components
In parallel, MahaMetro has initiated the installation of essential accessibility and safety features. The process for installing lifts and escalators has commenced, starting from the National Cancer Institute Metro station. Additionally, a significant infrastructure project is underway with the construction of a 100-metre-long open web girder bridge over railway tracks on Reach-1A.
MahaMetro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar recently performed the bhoomi puja (groundbreaking ceremony) for these works. The steel bridge, weighing around 1,000 metric tonnes, will be erected using the transverse launching method. This technique is noted for enhancing safety, minimizing operational risks, and reducing dependency on railway blockades, thereby ensuring smoother execution.
The foundation for this bridge has been laid on the Khapri-MIDC ESR corridor, underscoring the comprehensive and multi-faceted approach being undertaken to bring Nagpur Metro Phase 2 to fruition, with Lok Vihar station spearheading the operational launch.
