Union Cabinet Greenlights Major Jaipur Metro Expansion
The Union Cabinet, in a significant move on Wednesday, granted formal approval to the long-awaited Jaipur Metro Phase II project. This ambitious initiative will substantially extend the city's metro rail network by adding a new 41-kilometer North-South corridor. The corridor is strategically designed to connect Prahladpura in the Sitapura area with Todi Mod, enhancing transit across key urban zones.
Massive Investment and Project Details
The approval was finalized during a cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by a substantial financial commitment of nearly Rs 13,038 crore. Prime Minister Modi publicly announced the project via his official social media platform, highlighting its expected role in improving connectivity for several critical areas of Jaipur. These include the Sitapura Industrial Area, Vishwakarma Industrial Area, Jaipur Airport, and SMS Hospital, among others.
The new metro corridor will feature a total of 36 stations, with certain sections, particularly those near Jaipur airport, planned as underground stations to optimize urban integration. The Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited (RMRCL) will oversee the project's implementation under a 50:50 joint venture partnership between the Government of India and the Government of Rajasthan.
Phased Construction and Integration Strategy
To expedite completion, metro officials have divided the 41-kilometer corridor into seven distinct phases. The plan involves appointing separate contractors for each phase, enabling simultaneous construction activities across all segments. This approach is aimed at accelerating the project timeline and minimizing disruptions.
The Phase II expansion will be seamlessly integrated with the currently operational Phase I, which spans approximately 11.6 kilometers and serves an average of 60,000 passengers daily. Through planned interchanges and feeder systems, the two phases will combine to create a continuous, comprehensive metro network across Jaipur, significantly boosting public transport capacity.
Alignment with Development Policies and Expected Benefits
According to a press release from the Press Information Bureau, the Jaipur Metro Phase II project is fully aligned with the Rajasthan Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy, 2025, and the proposed Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) reforms. It also supports national objectives for promoting sustainable urban transportation solutions.
Scheduled for completion by September 2031, the project is anticipated to deliver multiple benefits. These include a substantial reduction in traffic congestion, lower vehicular emissions, and enhanced mobility for residents, workers, and tourists. Authorities project that Phase II will lead to a significant increase in public transport ridership, encouraging a shift toward more sustainable commuting options and contributing to Jaipur's urban development goals.
