GUWAHATI, Oct 30 - The State government is examining a comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) and alternative analysis report prepared by RITES for a rail based mass rapid transit system (MRTS) for Guwahati and its vicinity.
RITES had earlier prepared a DPR in 2017 for an MRTS project, but that was based on a survey and traffic data in 2014-15 which is five years old, GDD minister Siddhartha Bhattacharyya said.
He said in the wake of the Metro Rail Policy 2017 of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, a comprehensive mobility plan and alternative analysis are required.
�Core mobility services categories continue to grow along with strengthening of first and last mile connectivity through app based services. As such, various recommendations, traffic studies, alternative analysis and route selection need a relook to customize to current market trends and latest technological developments,� the Minister told journalists after a detailed presentation by RITES at his office chamber.
In its presentations, RITES outlined a few MRTS options, including the Metrolite � a cheaper, smaller and slower urban rail transit system compared to metro rail. Four corridors have been identified for the Guwahati MRTS.
�Metrolite is a new concept. It has been successful in many places. The State government will take a call on the type of urban rail transit system, after which the go-ahead for the DPR will be given. We also need to find the sources of external funding,� the Minister said, adding that an underground rail system may not be feasible given the soil type in the city.
The Central government had proposed the light urban rail transit system - 'Metrolite' - in small cities and towns having lower projection of ridership, with each train having three coaches and a restricted speed of 25 kmph. It can be developed on surface and elevated stretches.
Metrolite can be developed at a lower cost in comparison with existing metro system. The three-coach train has capacity of carrying 300 passengers.
The then Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had, just before the last assembly elections, laid the foundation stone of the 204-km metro rail project in the city, after the DPR for the first phase of 61 km was prepared.
