New Metro Variant Under Study For Nashik As Neo Plan Stalls Amid Changing Urban Dynamics

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha Metro) has begun the process of identifying a new Metro variant for Nashik in place of the earlier proposed Neo Metro project, reported Times of India.

The decision to seek alternatives comes after directives issued by the Centre.

According to a senior Maha Metro official cited in the ToI report, they are studying the alternative for ‘Neo Metro' project as per instructions from the Centre.

"We are also studying the transport system of other overseas cities to find the variant of the Metro that will suit Nashik city," the official was quoted as saying by ToI.

Maha Metro has also decided to revise the previous detailed project report (DPR) of the Neo Metro, based on the new variant that is to be decided following the mobility survey of the city, which is already in progress and is expected to be completed within one and a half months.

The Neo Metro plan, on two elevated lines with rubber-tyred air-conditioned electric trains for a total distance of 32 km, was proposed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2021-22 budget with an outlay of Rs 2,092 crore.

But it failed to obtain the Union Cabinet clearance and needed to be re-examined.

According to the report, there has been a change in the traffic pattern of the city in the last six to seven years, particularly after the Nashik airport became operational.

Hence, the new Metro variant or any suitable transport model that fits Nashik city will be decided soon.

The ongoing mobility plan survey is expected to conclude within six weeks.

“We are also noting the details about mobility survey to revise the previous DPR of the project. We will soon finalise the new transport model or a Metro variant for Nashik city and approach the Centre,” said the official.

Tarun Kapoor, advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently instructed Maha Metro to explore global urban transport models of cities such as Mexico and Abu Dhabi as alternative solutions to the Neo Metro.

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