The special purpose vehicle, Agra Smart City Limited (ASCL), which is managing the smart city project works, has provided a no-objection certificate (NOC) to the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) for implementation of the Agra metro rail project.
The ASCL is headed by divisional commissioner, Anil Kumar. ASCL has placed a few terms and conditions to carry out the construction work in the city. UPMRC will have to take responsibility and repair the damages which it may incur on the smart city project works during the construction of Agra metro rail infrastructure.
According to the detailed project report (DRP) approved by the union cabinet, the Agra Metro Rail Project will have two corridors which will pass through the heart of the city and will connect prominent tourist places including Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Sikandra as well as ISBT, Raja Ki Mandi Railway Station, Medical College, Agra Cant Railway Station, Collectorate, Sanjay Place and surrounding densely populated residential areas.
Under the smart city project, various beautification and drainage upgradation works are being carried out on Fatehabad road. These works are estimated to cost Rs 108 crore.
According to the Agra Municipal Corporation (AMC) officials, the first corridor of metro rail is proposed to pass through Fatehabad road. Construction work of the metro rail may damage the development work done on Fatehabad road. In such a case, UPMRC will have to fund the repairing work.
Additional municipal commissioner KB Singh, who is also the deputy chief executive officer of ASCL, said, “Agra metro rail project is a significant scheme for the development of the city. Therefore, NOC has been provided with a few terms and conditions to ensure work done under the smart city projects are not affected.”
The UPMRC has managed to take approval for implementation of Agra metro rail project from municipal corporation and public works department (PWD). However, it is yet to take approval from the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) authority, ministry of environment and the Supreme Court.
According to DPR, the first corridor from Taj East Gate to Sikandra is proposed to be 14.00 km-long which is partly elevated and partly underground. This corridor would comprise of 13 Stations (6-Elevated and 7-Underground). The length of the second corridor from Agra Cantt to Kalindi Vihar would be a stretch of 15.40 km comprising of 14 stations (all elevated). The entire project is targeted to be completed by the end of 2024.
