RITES to build metro line connecting Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula

30 Nov 2022 CW Team

In the most recent feasibility study report, which was submitted to the UT administration, Indian Railways consulting firm RITES Ltd proposed a 64.3-km metro rail network connecting Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.

The report recommends building the metro rail system in two phases. The first phase in Chandigarh consists of three corridors with a combined length of 44.5 km, including 16 km underground. In the second phase, the network will be extended to Mohali and Panchkula.

The idea for the metro rail system in Chandigarh was first floated in 2009, and the detailed project report (DPR), which cost Rs. 1.5 crores to produce, wasn't finished until 2012. Surveys were then conducted, and the initial phase was set to begin in 2013.

However, the Ministry of Home Affairs ultimately rejected it in 2017 because Member of Parliament (MP) Kirron Kher opposed it in 2014 and asserted that it would uproot the city.

After a year, the MRTS plans were reinstated in August 2021 when the UT administration made the decision to pursue a new, all-encompassing mobility strategy.

Compared to its population of over 12 lakh, Chandigarh has the largest number of registered cars per home in the country—34 lakh—which results in traffic jams and snarls. Additionally, on interstate roads, more than two lakh vehicles pass through the city every day.

This growing problem is intended to be addressed by the extensive mobility plan provided to RITES in December of last year.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..