SRINAGAR: The proposed Srinagar Metrolite project has been returned by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), which observed that the planned system was fully elevated and suggested that e-buses could provide a more cost-effective public transport solution for the city.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government had prepared and finalised a Detailed Project Report for the Srinagar Metrolite project, envisaged as a Light Rail Transit system, and submitted it to MoHUA for consideration.
The information was provided in a written reply to Un-Starred D. No. 1/6/102 tabled by Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
According to the Government, MoHUA observed that the proposed Srinagar and Jammu Metrolite corridors were fully elevated, whereas the Metro Rail Policy, 2017 generally envisages Light Rail Transit as an at-grade, rail-based mass transit system segregated from the main carriageway.
The Ministry further observed that the cost advantage associated with Metrolite was likely to be achieved when such systems were planned at grade. It also stated that e-buses could be a more cost-effective transport option for cities such as Srinagar and Jammu.
Following these observations, the proposals for the Srinagar and Jammu Metrolite projects were returned to the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
The Government acknowledged that traffic congestion in Srinagar has increased substantially in recent years, attributing it to population growth, rising vehicle ownership and commercial activity coupled with inadequate road capacity.
It said the locations referred to in the Assembly question are already covered by public transport under Srinagar Smart City Limited, with buses operating at optimal frequencies.
Additional buses are proposed to be introduced under the PM e-Bus Sewa, the Government said.
The reply did not provide a timeline for a fresh comprehensive feasibility study covering major corridors linking Srinagar Airport, Lal Chowk, Downtown, Soura, Zadibal, Nowhatta, Hazratbal and other major residential and commercial areas, nor did it announce a fresh mass-transit project for the city.
