Jewar-IGI Metro link: Ph-2 project report to be ready in six months

Noida: The proposed 72km high-speed metro rail corridor between the upcoming Noida airport in Jewar and Delhi's IGI is fast gaining momentum.
The work of preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for the second phase — a 37km-long metro rail corridor from Greater Noida’s Knowledge Park II to New Delhi metro station (that connects with Airport Express Line) — will commence soon, TOI has learnt.
The DPR for the first phase of the metro project, from Knowledge Park II to Jewar airport (35km), was approved by the Yamuna Expressway Authority's board last month.
For preparing the DPR of the second phase of the project, the Yamuna Expressway Authority on Monday deposited Rs 1.87 crore with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). "The DPR is expected in six months," YEIDA CEO Arun Vir Singh said.
Under the DPR, DMRC will submit a report on the traction system, location of stations, types of stations and ridership projection among others. The total cost of the project has been estimated at Rs 7,630 crore.
A total of four stations -- New Ashok Nagar, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Noida's Sector 142 and Underground Delhi Gate -- are proposed on this route, of which one will be underground. Its maximum speed will be 135 kmph and the operational speed will be 120 kmph.
Officials said that DMRC submitted the draft feasibility study for the corridor extension on August 1 and during the YEIDA’s 74th board meeting on September 8, the feasibility report was approved.
The scope of the DPR includes understanding the profile of the city, the existing transportation system in the city, transport demand and projection of sectional and station traffic loads in future, identification of the best mode of rail-based transport, broad details of traction and signalling system, rolling stock and track among others.
The DPR will also include a geometric design of the route alignment suitable for the speed of 135 kmph. DMRC will also prepare layouts for underground and elevated stations including traffic integration plans and proposed exit/entry points, according to officials.
An assessment will be made for the land requirement for traffic integration at stations, electric substations, operational requirements, temporary construction depots and other components of the project.
The fare structure adopted for Delhi Metro and Noida Metro will be used for this proposed metro, while an economic and financial analysis will be done separately. Funding options for this will be discussed and the best one is likely to be recommended, officials said.
A financial plan will also be prepared for arranging finances for the implementation of the project, officials said.
For any additional length of the route, DMRC has already said that it will charge Rs 5 lakh. In order to complete the work on schedule, DMRC has urged YEIDA to make available previous study reports, master plans of YEIDA and Greater Noida and land use plans.
The DPR of the first phase, to be built at a cost of Rs 6,326 crore, was approved by the YEIDA board during the last board meeting in September. As many as seven stations are proposed on this route.