Modi opens Nagpur Metro via video link
The Metro Railway network in the country which was just 250 kms in 2014, has now gone up to 650 kms in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed here on Thursday. He was speaking after inaugurating the first phase of Nagpur Metro Railway through video link.
Modi flagged off the inaugural run of 13.5 kms Khapri to Sitabuldi route via video link in presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis and Union Minister for Transport, Shipping and Ganga Rejuvenation, Nitin Gadkari.
Modi said under the NDA government, the work on laying about 800 kms of Metro Rail lines was in progress in various parts of the country. He said as part of government’s innovative concept, it was introducing a Common Mobility Card, which can be used in multiple transport system besides it will also work as debit and credit card and it will be merged with Rupay Bank card.
It will be a unique mobility card in the world, he asserted. The holder of the mobility card can travel in Delhi Metro or any Metro rail across the country. The concept is one nation one card for travel and other facilities.
Complimenting the Nagpur Metro team for its speedy work, Modi said it has set a new record of greenest Metro in the country as 65 per cent of energy will come from solar source, Modi said the renewable energy will reduce the carbon footprint and reduce the vehicular pollution to a great extent. The greenest Metro has found a place in the world Metro network, he said.
The Nagpur Metro has been planned with a view to cater to the needs of future population in the year 2050. It has provided direct and indirect employment to approximately 20,000 persons, he said. The double decker system where Metro rail will run on top floor and vehicular traffic on first floor is also unique.
Fadanvis in his speech said various modes of transport like buses, electric-taxis, motor-cycles will be integrated. The government is pursuing TOD (transport oriented development) and make the project financially viable, he said.
Gadkari in his speech said the greenest Metro will share its profit with local civic body, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation.
Union Secretary for Urban Transport, Durgashankar Mishra, who was also present, said Metro Railways was running in 18 cities. He said with this Nagpur has found a place on the map of global network of Metro railways among the 210 cities across the world.
State Energy Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Mayor Nanda JIchkar, Ramtek MP Krupal Tumane, Rajya Sabha MP Dr Vikas Mahatme and all the Legislators of Nagpur were present on the occasion.
MahaMetro Managing Director Dr Brajesh Dixit welcomed the guests.
