A Mass Rail System In The Iconic City Of Taj Mahal

In Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, the population has been increasing, putting pressure on the infrastructure. As a result, this third-largest city in Uttar Pradesh was in desperate need of adequate infrastructure to allow better connectivity throughout the city. To address the transportation issues, the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRCL) launched the Agra metro project, which is a 29.40 km rapid transit system with 2 lines and 28 stations. RITES Ltd. was assigned by the Uttar Pradesh government to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) on a rail-based mass transit system in Agra. The project received Cabinet approval on February 28, 2019, and the Supreme Court approved its construction in July 2020. Agra Metro was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the State's Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanth, on March 8, 2019, via a video conference. Line 1 is currently being built for an estimated cost of Rs. 8,379.62 crores. The construction of line 1 is expected to be completed in 2025. A 480 million euro loan from the European Investment Bank and a joint venture between the governments of India and Uttar Pradesh provided the project with funding. The Metro rail system in Agra will have 2 corridors, the first of which is 14 km long and connects Taj East Gate and Sikandara with 6 elevated stations and 7 underground stations. The second corridor of 15.40 km comprising 14 elevated stations will be built between Agra Cantt and Kalindi Vihar. The proposed corridors intersection junction is at St. John's College. The priority corridor will cover the distance between Jama Masjid and Taj East Gate (7 km) through 3 underground and 3 elevated stations. The Agra Metro has so far been divided into four packages, with one package still to be finalized. Contractors for packages 1, 2, and 3 are Sam (India) Builtwell Pvt. Ltd., Afcons-SAM JV, and Lisha Engineers, respectively. The general consultant contract for phase 1 has been awarded to TYPSA-Italferr JV. The metro route stretches for 29.40 km and will connect major tourist destinations such as Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Sikandra with railway stations as well as ISBT, Raja Ki Mandi Railway Station, Medical College, Agra Cant Railway Station, Collectorate, and Sanjay Place. Agra's metro rail stations will feature  cutting-edge technology and automated systems, as well as representations of the city's history and beauty. The Agra Metro rail project is estimated to benefit the 26 lakh population of the city and provide ease to 60 lakh tourists visiting India every year. This eco-friendly transit system will help in the reduction of traffic congestion and will be a cost-effective transportation network in the historical city of Agra.