New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the second phase of the Jaipur Metro project, paving the way for a major expansion of the city’s urban transport network.

The proposed 41-km North–South corridor, stretching from Prahladpura to Todi Mod, will feature 36 stations and be developed at an estimated cost of ₹13,037.66 crore. The project will be executed by Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited (RMRCL), a joint venture between the Centre and the Rajasthan government.

The new corridor is designed to link key commercial and residential hubs, including Sitapura Industrial Area, VKIA, Jaipur Airport, Tonk Road, SMS Hospital and Stadium, Ambabari, and Vidhyadhar Nagar. Portions of the route near the airport will run underground. The line will also integrate with the existing metro network through interchanges and feeder services, ensuring seamless connectivity across the city.

Currently, Jaipur Metro’s Phase-1 corridor — spanning 11.64 km from Mansarovar to Badi Chaupar — caters to an average daily ridership of around 60,000 passengers. With the addition of Phase-2, authorities expect a significant rise in ridership and a shift towards public transport, reducing reliance on private vehicles.

The project has undergone multi-level scrutiny, including inter-ministerial consultations and evaluation by the Public Investment Board. Officials said the corridor has demonstrated strong economic viability, with its Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) exceeding the prescribed benchmark.

Funding will be arranged through a mix of equity contributions from the Centre and the state, subordinate debt, and multilateral financing, in line with the Metro Rail Policy, 2017.

Aligned with Rajasthan’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Policy-2025 and broader sustainable mobility goals, the project is targeted for completion by September 2031. Once operational, it is expected to ease traffic congestion, cut vehicular emissions, and improve overall mobility for residents, workers, and tourists.

Jaipur already operates a metro line along the East–West corridor, connecting key residential and commercial areas with the historic walled city. The upcoming Phase-2 corridor along the North–South axis is set to complement this network and significantly enhance urban transport coverage across the city. DeshBharat