LUDHIANA METRO?

AFTER the thumbs up for Chandigarh in principle, Ludhiana metro’s project report has got the Punjab Cabinet’s nod. The success of Delhi Metro has sparked interest in this expensive mode of rapid transport. But Delhi had the financial muscle to provide a world-class travel experience at an affordable rate to citizens, hitherto moving in crowded and creaky state transport buses on intra-city routes. As cities grow haphazardly there is greater pressure on roads, which cannot be widened beyond a point. Poor public transport services as well as rising incomes drive people to go in for personal vehicles. The number of bikes, cars and SUVs is rising at a faster pace than roads can carry. The result is traffic chaos, accidents and brawls.
In this backdrop the metro rail provides a ray of hope to harried commuters. The Delhi experiment is being replicated in various cities. The Punjab Cabinet has taken the first step by clearing the detailed project report prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. A similar project is taking shape in Chandigarh. It is for experts to decide the technical suitability and financial viability of a project of this size. Such ventures cannot be left to the whims of politicians. Significantly, E. Sreedharan, the Delhi Metro chief and outstanding engineer, has unequivocally stated that the metro project in the tricity of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali is financially unviable. He considers trams a better option for the Union Territory.
If the metro rail is unviable for the Centrally funded Chandigarh, will it be suitable for Ludhiana? Given the population density and congestion on Ludhiana’s narrow streets and roads, the metro rail project, which needs Central clearances to take off, could cause widespread dislocation. The Punjab government’s poor fiscal health may also come in the way. All aspects should be weighed before giving the project a green signal. It is not unusual for the Punjab government to embark on a large project without giving a thought to funds. It looks up to the Centre for help.