The Jammu and Kashmir government is sitting on a consultancy report which suggests the building of a light Metro service for different routes in Srinagar to overcome the terrible traffic mess in the city. The J&K Transport Minister, Abdul Ghani Kohli, has already said that they were looking for concrete measures to overcome the traffic issue both in Srinagar and Jammu.
According to reports, the Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) has already done a survey and has submitted a comprehensive mobility plan for Srinagar to the government suggesting a Metro system to combat the traffic congestion. Kohli said that after the PM’s recent package, the J&K government has received Rs 1,860 crore and Rs 1,400 crore for constructing semi-ring roads in Jammu and Srinagar. He said that the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) received a number of new vehicles under the JNNURM scheme. But the funds for the second lot have not been released by the Centre because the previous government had failed to furnish utilisation certificates of the earlier purchases.
According to officials, RITES, in its proposal, has suggested to the J&K government to develop a light Metro service from Galander area of Pampore in South Kashmir to Narbal in North Kashmir covering 33 kilometres. The construction of this Metro will cost Rs 10,000 crore. The detailed report suggests another light Metro service from Nowgam Railway Station to Ganderbal in Central Kashmir.
RITES has also suggested a mini-Metro system on the circular road along the Dal Lake as all the Mughal gardens are situated on this road and the presence of the Metro can be a great fillip to tourism. It has further suggested establishing a suburban rail commuter system in order to make Srinagar a smart city.
Kohli said that the RITES report was under consideration and the government was looking into what could be implemented immediately. He said citizens can expect better footpaths and a modern bus fleet very soon.