DMRC to Prepare Surat Metro’s Detailed Project Report

Last week, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation got tasked with preparing the Detailed Project Report for Surat’s Metro project!

This is the first step to provide Surat’s 4.5+ million residents with a reliable mass transit system to serve as the city’s transport backbone. The metro system will be complemented by the city’s Bus Rapid Transit System which currently operates on a 31 km network spread across two corridors.

In February, the Gujarat state government had allocated a sum of Rs 2 crore in its 2016-17 state budget for preparing the metro system’s DPR. Here’s an excerpt from page 128 of the state’s Urban Development & Urban Housing sector’s budget report:

The Metro Rail is the most effective way for transportation in urban areas. Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase –I is in progress. Now MEGA Company is planning to expand the route from Gandhinagar to GIFT City and connected to Airport in the Phase _II and also planning to Metro Rail in Surat City. To prepare Draft Project Report (DPR) through Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) for Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase II and Surat City.

For this purpose an amount of Rs. 200.00 lakhs is required foduring the year 2016-17. Accordingly it is proposed to provide an amount of Rs. 200.00 lakhs in the Budget estimates of the year 2016-17 for which this new item is presented.

Satellite view of Surat:

DMRC’s Metro Bhawan HQs on Fire Brigade Lane, Barakhamba area in Delhi – Photo Copyright: Pioneerwest

Other details about DMRC’s appointment are a little sketchy at the moment, but over the next few months, the DMRC team will conduct surveys, observe traffic patterns and study land records. After identifying some corridors, it would then conduct a techno-feasibility study and narrow down to 2 or 3 lines for inclusion in Phase 1’s plan. Overall, I expect the preliminary DPR to be ready by October 2016 after which it will be shared with the Surat Urban Development Authority and Surat Municipal Corporation for its recommendations.

For more updates, check out the Surat section of The Metro Rail Guy!

– TMRG