Union Cabinet Greenlights Jaipur Metro Phase 2: Record-Breaking Approval Sets Stage for Transformative Connectivity

In a landmark decision for Rajasthan’s urban infrastructure, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has granted final approval to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the second phase of the Jaipur Metro. This approval stands as a significant milestone, distinguished by the unprecedented speed of the clearance process, which reflects the efficient coordination between the State and Central governments. The DPR was submitted by the State Government in May last year and successfully navigated the inter-ministerial consultation process before reaching the Public Investment Board (PIB) of the Ministry of Finance. Chaired by the Secretary of Expenditure, the PIB meeting held on December 11 last year saw a comprehensive presentation by Vaibhav Galeria, Managing Director of the Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation (RMRC), leading to the initial nod that culminated in today’s final Cabinet sanction.

The rapid progression of the Jaipur Metro Phase 2 DPR has set a new national benchmark for administrative efficiency. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and the dedicated efforts of MD Vaibhav Galeria and his team, the project received final Union Cabinet approval in just 10 months and 18 days. This timeline drastically outperforms other major metro projects across India; for instance, Pune Phase 4/4A took 13 months and 12 days, Lucknow Metro required 17 months and 16 days, and the Noida Sector 142-Botanical Garden link took 19 months and 17 days. Even at the critical PIB stage, Jaipur Metro led the way with a clearance time of merely 6 months and 20 days, compared to the 10 to 14 months typically required for similar projects in Pune, Noida, and Lucknow.

With an estimated total investment of 12,260 crore rupees, Phase 2 of the Jaipur Metro will span a total length of 42.80 kilometers, stretching from the Ring Road on Tonk Road to Todi Mode in Vidhyadhar Nagar. The ambitious route will feature 36 metro stations, with the vast majority of the corridor being elevated. However, a strategic 3-kilometer underground section is planned to navigate high-density areas. Starting from the southern end near the Jaipur Ring Road, the first station will be established at Prahladpura, followed by stations at Bilwa Kalan, Bilwa, Goner Mode, Sitapura, JECC, Kumbha Marg, Haldi Ghati Marg, and Pinjrapole Gaushala. In a critical transition, the corridor will shift from elevated to underground between Pinjrapole Gaushala and the Sanganer flyover to accommodate an underground station at Sanganer Chauraha. From there, the underground tracks will extend to the proposed Terminal 3 of the Sanganer Airport and continue through the State Hangar before resurfacing on Tonk Road.

The northern stretch of the corridor will serve vital hubs, including stations at B2 Bypass, Durgapura, Gopalpura, Gandhi Nagar, Nehru Place, Rambagh, Narayan Singh Circle, Sawai Mansingh Hospital, Ashok Marg, Government Hostel, and Khasakothi, eventually reaching the Collectorate Metro Station. The route continues through Panipetch, Ambabari, Bhawani Niketan, Sector 2, Vidhyadhar Nagar, and VKI Road Number 5, Road Number 9, and Road Number 14, passing through Harmada and Harmada Ghati before terminating at Todi Mode. To ensure streamlined execution, the Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation has divided the project into seven to eight distinct packages, prioritizing the 11-kilometer stretch from Prahladpura Ring Road to Pinjrapole Gaushala for the initial phase of construction.

The RMRC has already finalized the selection of the contracting consortiu

m for this first package, awarding the work to a joint venture of Sam India Builtwell Private Limited and Seagull India Limited. The joint venture secured the contract by bidding 19.83% below the estimated cost, committing to complete the work for 918 crore rupees. This contract encompasses the construction of the elevated corridor and ten specific stations: Prahladpura, Manpura, Bilwa Kalan, Bilwa, Goner Road, Sitapura, JECC, Kumbha Marg, Haldi Ghati Gate, and Pinjrapole Gaushala. With the formal work order expected to be issued imminently, the firm is mandated to complete the construction within a 34-month timeframe. This final approval by the Central Government not only validates the technical and economic viability of the project but also marks the beginning of a new era in Jaipur's public transport system, promising to drastically reduce traffic congestion and enhance the city's global standing.