The estimated ₹ 12,000 crore project awaits state government approval before being forwarded to the Centre for clearance, officials informed on Thursday. A revised detailed project report (DPR) for a conventional metro rail network in Prayagraj has been submitted by RITES Limited, a PSU under the ministry of railways, to the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC).
The revised plan proposes two corridors: Shantipuram to Cheoki in Naini and Jhunsi to the airport via Bamrauli and the proposed Aero City area. The second corridor has been extended to the airport to improve connectivity. A key feature is a proposed metro interchange at Parade, where the two corridors will intersect and connect with a ropeway station, creating a multimodal transport hub. The project has undergone several revisions.
An initial DPR proposed a conventional metro system, followed by a MetroLite plan featuring 39 smaller stations and lighter infrastructure.
Following suggestions from UPMRC, RITES conducted a fresh survey last year and prepared the revised DPR for a conventional metro network.
The project will require state and central government approvals for clearance and funding, he added.
Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) vice-chairman Rishi Raj said the revised DPR includes extending the Jhunsi-Bamrauli corridor to the airport.
