The central government has offered new impetus to the prospect of having metro rails in Jharkhand by asking the state to present a new and updated version of the project. It has been identified that three big cities of the state will benefit from this development, including Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad. The metro project that was long-awaited by the people is currently underway, closer to becoming a reality, with the state government set to make the necessary move in accordance with the request of the Centre.
There is an order of the Chief Minister Hemant Soren asking the Urban Development and Housing Department to work on a new Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) of these cities. This document is a prerequisite for any grand urban transport project and the foundation for approvals, feasibility checks and monetary clearances. The CMP will examine present and future demand in travelling, traffic jams, availability of public transport, and the anticipated increase in personal vehicles. It will also take into consideration the environmental issue and urban planning necessity to come up with a transport system that will address the needs of the rapidly expanding cities.
The officials have already stated that they have issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select agencies or consultants who would compose the new CMP. The state government is making an effort to finalize and hand the plan to the Centre within two months. This is in view of the fact that previous plans were discovered to be outdated and not compatible with current needs. After the approval of the CMP, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared, and it will show the routes, costs, timelines and technical details.
The project has great potential to alleviate congestion in Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Dhanbad, which are under the pressure of growing populations and the pressure of vehicle influx. The Metro connectivity is predicted not only to ease the road congestion, but also to be a faster, cleaner and efficient means of transport to all the people who use it as a daily commuter. It also has the likelihood of helping to contain pollution and support the interests of the greater sustainable development objectives.
Even though there is excitement with the announcement, experts warn that the planning to implementation process can also take years, since the process of metro projects is cumbersome and expensive. Special consideration will be required in land acquisition, environmental approvals and funding arrangements. However, the commencement of the new CMP is a milestone in the achievement of the metro dream in Jharkhand. The three chosen cities are likely to experience a significant change in their urban transportation in the near future, with the push of political will and administration.
