Trichy: The Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) devised by Trichy corporation through a Bengaluru-based consultant to strengthen public transport infrastructure has identified three potential routes as high-demand corridors for the proposed metro rail network in the city. These corridors spanning a total length of 68 km may serve as a master plan for Trichy metro proposed by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).
Considered as a long-term vision document for improving public transport and non-motorised transport in Trichy city, the report was prepared based on 20 types of data collection and surveys conducted in an 803 sq km area. All 65 wards of the city, Lalgudi and Thuvakudi municipalities, and four town panchayats were studied, altogether covering a population of 14.7 lakh. According to the consultant, the three routes were named as potential metro rail networks based on the passengers per hour per direction data (PPHPD) collected with projections made till 2042.
Route one running for a length of 18.7 km connects Samayapuram in the northern suburbs with Vayalur in the western suburbs, passing through Srirangam and Thillai Nagar. Route two planned for 26 km, the longest of the three, connects Thuvakudi with Panjapur integrated bus terminus via the Central bus stand. Route three will run for 23.3 km connecting Trichy railway junction with Panjapur via the international airport and semi-ring road. “At three spots, there is a need to integrate three metro corridor alignments. Central bus stand, railway junction and Panchapur IBT were identified as potential intersections. The proposed corridors can be implemented in a phased manner,” a source with the consultant said.
The type of metro network, either Metro Lite or Metro Neo, and the number of coaches to be used will be decided based on the city’s passenger capacity. The objective of the report is to increase public transport’s share in urban transport from 22% as of 2022 to 40% in 2042. It has suggested short, mid and long-term proposals to encourage sustainable urban transport. A shared bicycle project for a length of 4 km and dedicated cycle tracks for 11 km have also been suggested. Bus stands and colleges were identified for the shared bicycle project. Trichy corporation said that an alternative analysis report will be prepared to serve as a base document for preparing DPR for the Trichy metro project.
