Jaipur, April 8 (NationPress) On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant infrastructural advancement for Jaipur, following the Union Cabinet's endorsement of Phase-2 of the Jaipur Metro.

He characterized this initiative as a crucial move towards sustainable urban development, designed to enhance connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve the quality of life for residents.

"Jaipur is on the brink of a transformative infrastructural upgrade! The Cabinet's approval for Phase-2 of the Jaipur Metro marks a pivotal progression in the journey towards sustainable urban expansion. It aims to bolster connectivity, minimize congestion, and elevate the 'Ease of Living' for our citizens," remarked the Prime Minister.

Subsequently, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also conveyed his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi and the Union Cabinet for their support of this ambitious metro initiative.

He indicated that this development will inject new energy into Jaipur's growth trajectory.

The Chief Minister elaborated, "With an estimated expenditure of Rs 13,037.66 crore, the 41-km-long North–South corridor, stretching from Prahladpura to Todi Mod, will encompass 36 stations and is poised to serve as the lifeline of the city. This corridor, which traverses vital areas from Sitapura to the Vishwakarma Industrial Area, will optimize traffic flow and reinforce the vision of a 'Developed Rajasthan.'"

This project, approved by the Union Cabinet under the guidance of the Prime Minister, will be executed by the Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited (RMRCL), a collaborative venture between the central and state governments.

The new corridor will link significant hubs, such as the Sitapura Industrial Area, Vishwakarma Industrial Area, Jaipur Airport, Tonk Road, Sawai Man Singh Hospital and Stadium, Ambabari, and Vidhyadhar Nagar.

It is also designed to integrate smoothly with the existing Phase-1 Metro line through proposed interchanges and feeder systems, thereby creating a comprehensive citywide transport network.

Currently, Phase-1 accommodates approximately 60,000 daily passengers over its 11.64 km stretch.

With the introduction of Phase-2, it is anticipated that ridership will see a substantial increase, enhancing public transport utilization and decreasing dependence on private vehicles.

The project has successfully navigated several appraisal phases and showcases robust economic potential, boasting an Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) exceeding 14 percent.

Funding will be ensured through equity contributions, subordinate debt, and multilateral financing, in accordance with the Metro Rail Policy, 2017.

In alignment with Rajasthan's Transit-Oriented Development Policy-2025 and the national objectives for sustainable transportation, the project aims for completion by September 2031.

Once operational, it is expected to mitigate congestion, lower emissions, and enhance mobility for residents, workers, and visitors—fortifying Jaipur's status as a contemporary, forward-looking city.