Jaipur Metro between Chandpole and Badi Chaupar to become operational by year end

Jaipur: Jaipurites will have to wait till the end of this year to travel in the under-construction Jaipur Metro that will run between Chandpole and Badi Chaupar. Earlier, the Jaipur Metro administration claimed that the Metro between these two stations will become operational by August, but a lot of operational obligations are yet to be completed and it may cause a delay for at least 5-6 months.

The Rajasthan government was all set to inaugurate the second phase of the Jaipur Metro before the assembly elections due by the year end, but since it won’t be completed on time, the inauguration during this government’s tenure may not be possible, sources said.

Senior Jaipur Metro officials conducted an inspection of the ongoing construction work on Wednesday. After the inspection, it was clear that the work on the Jaipur Metro between Chandpole and Bari Chaupar will complete by the year-end. The senior officials took a ride in the metro from Mansarovar station to Chandpole station.

“Owing to some operational hiccups, we have extended the deadline for the inauguration. Earlier it was August, but now it has been postponed,” said a senior Jaipur Metro officer.

The excavation work for the 2.4-km second stage of Jaipur Metro started in 2016. Advanced technology was employed with an eye on preserving the city’s rich heritage. Excavation at the two chaupars (city squares) — Badi Chaupar and Chhoti Chaupar — which fall on the proposed phase 1B route was done in scientifically and archaeologically appropriate manner.

During the excavation at Chhoti Chaupar station, a nearly 300-year-old water reservoir (‘baoli’) with ancient tunnels on all four sides was restored.