The eagerly awaited ‘priority corridor’ of the Agra Metro Rail Project is set to transform tourist accessibility to Agra’s iconic landmarks, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate this significant development via video conference alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Agra.
Seamless Connectivity
Following its inauguration, the metro rail will commence operations on the ‘priority corridor,’ encompassing six stations along a 6 km stretch. This initiative, overseen by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), aims to provide direct metro access to major tourist attractions, enhancing convenience for visitors exploring the city’s cultural heritage.
Agra Metro Rail Project in Focus
The project’s initial three elevated stations on the corridor are Taj East Gate, Shaheed Captain Shubham Gupta, and Fatehabad Road Station, with Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Mankameshwar stations situated underground. With a total expenditure of Rs. 8379.62 crore, the ‘priority section’ alone has been completed at a cost of Rs. 2100 crore.
Sustainable Initiatives and Timely Completion
UPMRC’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the project’s execution. From achieving ISO 14001 certification for environmental management to ISO 45001 certification for safety management, environmental consciousness has remained a top priority. Moreover, with a focus on preserving green spaces, UPMRC has meticulously relocated trees along the metro corridor’s path and conducted extensive afforestation efforts across a 21-hectare area.
Driving India’s Metro Evolution
The Agra Metro Rail Project is not only a testament to modern infrastructure development but also aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. Constructed in Savli, Vadodara, the project includes provisions for 28 metro trains, each comprising three coaches, catering to the city’s growing transportation needs.
Setting Records and Redefining Standards
The project’s impressive timeline showcases India’s capability in executing complex infrastructure projects swiftly. Completing a 3 km underground stretch, including tunnels, in just 11 months, and the elevated corridor in 29 months, the Agra Metro Project stands as a benchmark for efficient execution in the country’s metro sector.
As Agra prepares to welcome this transformative development, the Agra Metro Rail Project signifies not only enhanced connectivity but also a commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban development. With seamless access to its cultural treasures, Agra is poised to offer an enriched experience to tourists and residents alike, setting a precedent for future metro projects across the nation.
