New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the extension of the Metro network in Gurugram, connecting HUDA City Centre to Cyber City. The proposed stretch will span 28.5 kilometre and include 27 new stations, with construction expected to be completed within four years.
The main corridor, stretching 26.65 kilometres and featuring 26 stations, will connect HUDA City Centre to Cyber City. Additionally, a 1.85 kilometre extension, known as the "spur", will connect Basai Village to Dwarka Expressway, with one station along the route. The entire 28.5 kilometre stretch will be elevated, according to a statement.
The project aims to address the absence of a metro line in Old Gurugram while connecting New Gurugram with the older part of the city. The network will also integrate with the Indian Railway station and provide future connectivity to the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, fostering overall economic development in the region, as stated in the statement.
During a press briefing, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the project would be an equal partnership between the Union and Haryana governments. The total project cost is estimated to be around Rs 2,700 crores, with a significant portion to be financed through loans from international agencies.
According to the statement, the Centre will contribute Rs 869.19 crore, the Haryana Government will provide Rs 1,432.49 crore, and the local body, HUDA, will contribute Rs 300 crore. Loans from international agencies will amount to Rs 2,699.57 crore, and public-private partnership schemes will provide Rs 135.47 crore for constructing lifts and escalators.
The project is anticipated to be completed within four years of receiving approval. Once operational, it is expected to significantly increase the daily ridership, from 5.34 lakh in 2026 to 10.70 lakh in 2050, according to the government statement. The government also highlighted that loan arrangements are being made with the European Investment Board (EIB) and the World Bank (WB). Furthermore, it emphasised that approximately 90 percent of the required land is government-owned, and the process of relocating utilities has already commenced.
(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Google News. Click here to follow. Also, join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram. You may also follow us on Twitter here and stay updated.)