PM Modi to launch Agra's Metro route to Taj Mahal today.

Photo-BNN Breaking

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the much-awaited new segment of the Agra Metro today, known as the 'priority corridor.' This corridor, aimed at enhancing connectivity to key tourist destinations like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, is anticipated to significantly benefit both residents and tourists alike. The newly launched section will feature five trains, each with a capacity to accommodate 700 passengers, operating daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.

Covering a stretch from Taj East Gate to Mankameshwar Temple, the priority corridor will include prominent stations such as Taj East Gate, Shaheed Captain Shubham Gupta Metro Station, Fatehabad Road MS, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Mankameshwar Temple. While the first three stations will be elevated, the remaining three will be underground. The inauguration event, led by PM Modi via video conferencing, will witness the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel in Agra.

The Agra Metro project encompasses two corridors spanning a total of 29.4 km, linking significant landmarks like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Sikandra with railway stations and bus terminals. Panchanan Mishra, spokesperson of UP Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), disclosed that the project's total expenditure amounts to NR 8,379.6 crore. Once operational, it is expected to serve the city's population of 26 lakhs and cater to over 60 lakh tourists annually, providing an eco-friendly transport solution.

The tariff for the corridor has been set at INR 10 for traveling between stations, INR 20 for two stations, and INR 30 for three to six stations. Marked by its distinctive yellow color, the Agra Metro project marks the third such initiative managed by UPMRC, following the Lucknow and Kanpur Metro projects. The final approval from the commissioner for Metro Rail Safety, granted after a rigorous three-day inspection, underscores the project's adherence to safety standards.

Notably, the absence of conventional overhead equipment (OHE) in the Agra Metro system is a significant feature, eliminating disruptions caused by factors like bird activity and kite flying. Instead, the Third Rail System is employed, ensuring enhanced efficiency in train operations. Additionally, the system incorporates an automatic climate control feature, further emphasizing environmental conservation. As part of its sustainability efforts, the project is expected to recharge 10 lakh liters of groundwater annually through the construction of 300 recharge pits along the metro rail alignment.