The state government of Punjab is taking steps for the implementation of the ambitious Rs 10,300-crore Ludhiana Metro project in the city.

Punjab deputy chief minister(CM) Sukhbir Singh Badal has put the project on fast track and has also appointed Ludhiana Commissioner as managing director of Ludhiana Metro in order to ensure the speedy execution of the project. Mr. Sukhbir Badal presided over a meeting in Chandigarh that reviewed the progress on the project.

It was informed at the meeting that Corridor-I of the project, which will be 15.798 kilometer long, will run from Ayali Chowk on Ferozepur Road to BBMB Power House on the Chandigarh Road. The corridor will have 14 stations, out of which 10 will be elevated and four will be under ground. The Corridor-II of the project spanning 13.035 kilometers will run from Gill village to Rahon Road octroi post. The stretch will have 13 stations, out of which sex will be elevated and six will be under ground.

The land acquisition for the project, which is expected to be completed in five years, will be done by the state government. Mr. Sukhbir Badal said that he has directed the officials associated with the project to ensure minimal displacement of people during the land acquisition process for the project.

"We must lay emphasis on executing the underground Metro corridor, especially in densely populated areas, even though it would be quite capital-intensive as compared to fully or partly elevated corridor," Badal said in an official statement.

The state government will appoint Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) as its official consultant for the project. The government will also set up a new Ludhiana Metro Rail Corporation for the project.