The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 200 million loan for the improvement of transport connectivity and expansion of Nagpur metro.
“ADB’s support will extend Nagpur’s metro rail network to meet rising travel demand and enhance the economy. This project will make the city more livable, improving the urban environment and mobility of residents and enhancing their access to basic services,” ADB Principal Transport Specialist, Sharad Saxena, said.
The project will finance the extension of four metro rail corridors in Nagpur. These new lines are part of the second phase of Nagpur metro development covering four extensions of two corridors , totalling 43.8 km. This phase shall extend to Kanhan in North, Butibori MIDC in South, Transport Nagar (Kapsi) in East and Hingna in West.
The entire project comprises the construction of 1.7 km at-grade with 2 stations and 42.1 km elevated sections with 30 stations with one interchange at Sitabuldi station. They will connect the satellite cities like Transport Hub at Kapsi, Industrial areas of Hingna and Butibori and Mining areas at Kanhan.
The Khapri – MIDC ESR line will be 19.3 km long, Automotive Square – Kanhan River will have a length of 13 km, Prajapati Nagar – Kapsi 5.3 km and Lokmanya Nagar – Hingna, 6.4 km.
All the new metro stations will be equipped with modern safety and security technology, and designed to meet the needs of women, students, and people with disabilities.
ADB will support the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) to improve the connection of the metro rail stations to the city’s transport services such as buses, e-rickshaws, e-scooters, and bicycles. It will support the promotion of nonmotorized transport and provide last-mile connectivity to the outskirts of Nagpur.
The project will help the Maha Metro develop a 5-year institutional action plan, including a gender equality and social inclusion-responsive workplace strategy; improve its digital project management platform; and train staff on metro planning and management. It will assist in increasing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for women and disadvantaged groups through skills training, internship, and apprenticeship.
The expansion of Nagpur metro will improve transport connectivity within and to Nagpur’s new and growing urban areas and will provide an efficient, safe, and environment-friendly public transport to ease commuters’ travel and improve productivity.
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