Metro empty in the present, but it's one for the future

Nagpur: It's been two months when MahaMetro opened the stretch from Sitabuldi to Khapri. Even though the trains are not getting much traffic now, most Nagpurians feel that the project was required as the city was fast expanding and traffic jams had become common. Some people, however, feel that the project has started too early.
According to RTI activist Abhay Kolarkar, even though the trains were running empty, the authorities had done the right thing by going in for the project. “We have to think of the future. Just because people are not using it now doesn’t mean that Metro is not needed. Our population has crossed 30 lakh. The Metro should be expanded and nearby towns like Saoner should be connected. It will increase ridership,” he said.
Internal auditor Kunal Ekbote is of the similar view. “The project is hundred per cent required. It is the fastest Metro in the country and this is a good thing. I don’t know why people question it. Look at cities like Mumbai, which do not have proper Metro network. People are travelling under terrible conditions. Here too everybody is compelled to use own vehicles,” he said.
Dharmendra Chute, a government servant, said that there was no point in digging a well only when you become thirsty. “Had the project been executed later, it would have led to many problems. Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis removed many hurdles in way of the project. It’s a good thing that Metro started as per schedule,” he said.
For private sector employee Bhavana Bhujade, travelling would become easier when the project gets completed. “It will especially benefit office goers like me by providing a safe mode of transport,” she said.
People are facing problems while commuting within the city, and the project would solve this to a large extent, feels writer Varsha Thote .
Sitabuldi resident Apurva Thekedar, who works in Mihan, is a direct beneficiary of the project. “Ever since Metro has started, going to office has become easy for me. The fare is only Rs40 per day, which is affordable. There is too much traffic on roads. Now, I don’t have to travel on my two-wheeler in the scorching heat. It will help me during rains too,” he said.
Power expert Ajit Ganguly, who lives near the Metro corridor, however, feels that there will be no takers for the project in coming 5-10 years. “It was started in a hurry. How many people travel from Automotive Square to Mihan or Pardi to Hingna? Most people travel short distances and use their two-wheelers. We are yet to develop a culture of using public transport,” he said. According to him, massive job creation was needed in Hingna MIDC, Butibori MIDC and Mihan for the project to become viable.
Industrial consultant Pradip Maheshwari finds no problem with the project but “the government had failed in creating jobs”. “Metro was envisaged on the grounds that Mihan will employ thousands of people. However, very few industries have set shop there. I think the project was started two to three years in advance,” he said.