Gurgaon Rapid Metro begins trial runs

The second phase of the project,which will cover a distance of 7 km,is expected to be ready by July 2015. It will have six stations and spread towards Sector 56 from Sikanderpur Metro station.

Hooda said Haryana Urban Development Authority will be partner in construction of the corridor,as it has provided right of way.

The chief minister also spoke about improving public transport facilities in the city,calling for the expansion of the Metro network and introduction of pod taxis. He said efforts are on to take the Metro towards Kundli in Sonipat and connect old Gurgaon through pod taxis.

Secretary of Urban Development Ministry Sudhir Krishna said Metro facilities should also be planned for areas that have not been developed yet,but are likely to be developed in the near future. He also touched on the need for feeder bus services in the area.

He said the fare structure of Rapid Metro is same as that of Delhi Metro. The two lines,he said,will be connected to offer passengers a seamless connectivity with the Capital.

Rapid Metro Managing Director Sanjiv Rai said after the extension is ready,an average 60,000 vehicles will be reduced from the roads.

The Rapid Metro is being constructed at a cost of Rs 1,088 crore and its Phase-I stretches over a distance of 5.1 km. It will have six stations — Sikanderpur,DLF Phase-II,Belvedere Towers,Cyber City,Moulsari Avenue and Cyber Green Infinity Towers.

The corridor is expected to be completed by March 2013.