The proposed Metrolite projects for Srinagar and Jammu have been returned by the Centre after the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) raised concerns over the projects being planned as fully elevated corridors.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s latest response in the Legislative Assembly, MoHUA observed that the proposed corridors did not align with the Metrolite model, which generally envisages light rail systems operating at grade and separated from regular traffic. The ministry also noted that the cost advantage of Metrolite is more likely when projects are designed at grade.
The Centre has also suggested that electric buses could be a more cost-effective public transport option for cities such as Srinagar and Jammu. The J&K Government had earlier prepared and submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for both projects for central appraisal.
The development puts the proposed mass-transit plans for the two cities under fresh review, as authorities consider alternative solutions to address growing traffic and public transport requirements.
