The Jaipur Metro Railway Corporation (JMRC) has revised the alignment of the Line 1C extension from Badi Chaupar to Transport Nagar, abandoning the earlier plan for a station at Ramganj Chaupar approved under the previous Congress government. The new plan proposes an underground station at Galta-ji crossing on Delhi Road and an elevated station at Transport Nagar.
Revised Alignment Details
JMRC Chairman and Managing Director Vaibhav Galriya confirmed the change, stating that the revised alignment retains two proposed stations. "From Badi Chaupar, the underground corridor would first cross the world heritage site to reach the Galta-ji Crossing. After crossing the Galta-ji station, the stretch would take an elevated corridor and terminate at Transport Nagar," Galriya added.
Reasons for Revision
Officials said the revision aims to keep the corridor underground through the Walled City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and avoid surface-level work in the dense heritage zone. "The plan would eliminate surface-level construction within the Walled City, easing concerns over traffic disruption, heritage impact and inconvenience to residents and shopkeepers during the project phase. It has also been observed that a station at Galta-ji would potentially draw more passengers," stated a metro official.
The 2.85 km Pink Line extension received financial approval of Rs 993.51 crore in November 2022. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot laid its foundation stone on September 21, 2023.
Political Controversy
After the BJP government came to power, the project was temporarily paused for feasibility reviews. The government initially explored diverting the stretch towards Amer Road via Hawa Mahal Road, a move strongly criticized by Congress MLAs representing Walled City constituencies, alleging that the state government took the decision because the Ramganj area is represented by a Congress MLA.
"The government had dropped the proposed Ramganj Metro station, stating it is close to Badi Chaupar station and it’s not feasible to have two stations at a short distance. The distance between the proposed Galta-ji and TP Nagar stations is equally short. The BJP government shall not deprive a place named after Lord Ram," said Adarsh Nagar MLA Rafeek Khan.
Ironically, both Ramganj Chaupar and areas around Galta-ji fall under the same Adarsh Nagar Assembly constituency.
