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An efficient well-coordinated transport system plays an important roles in the economic growth of the state. Over time, Jaipur Metro will become the lifeline of the City, feels Nihal Chand Goel, Chairman and Managing Director, Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. The Phase-IA of Jaipur Metro which was thrown open to public on June 3, was completed in record four-and-a-half-years, making it one of the fastest-built rail metros in India.
Jaipur City has now successfully launched its Metro Line…
Jaipur city’s population crossed three million mark in 2011 and it is the fastest growing 
city among all three million plus cities of the county. Besides being the capital city of Rajasthan, the ‘Pink City’ is an important tourist destination. All these factors led to the city having a Metro rail system. Thus, the launch of Jaipur Metro is a significant step in making Jaipur a smart city.
Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation Limited (JMRCL) was incorporated on 01.01.2010 as a company wholly-owned by the Government of Rajasthan. It is a Special Purpose Vehicle created to implement the Metro rail project. As the entire funding of the project has been done by the State Government, the CMD and other members of its Board of Directors are nominees of the Government of Rajasthan.
While the construction of Phase 1A (Manasarovar to Chandpole, 9.6km and costing Rs 2023) was assigned to DMRC as a deposit work, its operations are being handled by JMRCL itself. Besides operation and maintenance of Phase 1A, JMRCL is currently engaged in implementation of Phase 1B from Chandpole to Badi Chaupar (2.3km), which is a completely underground corridor in the heritage city of Jaipur. Phase 2, the Orange line, is 23.8km and is from Sitapuri to Ambabari will have 20 Metro stations. The Jaipur Metro project is planned along East-West and North- South corridors.
Jaipur Metro Rail Project has been planned keeping in view the urban transport demands of the city for the next many decades. Planned to provide an affordable and reliable system of public transport, the project intends to spur economic development of the city while preserving its rich heritage and culture.
How do you feel Jaipur Metro will change the life of jaipurites?
Jaipur Metro will surely change the way people travel in Jaipur. But it will also bring with it many changes in the lifestyle of people. Jaipur city, though only the 10th largest city in the country, has the highest number of 2-wheelers. On an average, every household in Jaipur owns two 2-wheelers and these are used to travel from door-to-door. In the normal course, people in Jaipur are not required to walk even small distances. For using Metro services, people will have to necessarily walk at least 500 metres every time they take a metro. It will bring in welcome changes in the daily routine of jaipurites. In due course, Jaipur Metro will also become the basis of most economic and social decisions jaipurites will be taking in their day-to-day life.
Some of the special features and green features…
Jaipur Metro has many unique features. Its civil structure has many innovative and path-breaking features. Its double-decked structure on Ajmer Road where a common pier is supporting both the elevated road and the Metro viaduct will show the way to many cities as to how they can use Metro to add to road space in congested areas. Jaipur Metro stations, resting on a single row of piers, and the rain water harvesting system built into its viaduct also deserve a special mention.
Of its nine stations, eight are elevated stations having natural light and ventilation. Re-generative braking is an important feature of its rolling stock that gives up to 30% saving in energy consumption. JMRC is also in the process of putting up two solar power plants on the roof-top of its entry/exit structures.
