The Dehradun Metro project, once hailed as a game-changer for Uttarakhand’s urban transport, now finds itself at a crossroads. Initiated in 2017, the project has consumed more than ₹90 crore so far, yet not a single step has been taken on the ground. With rising costs and a lack of central support, the state government is under pressure to either revive the project or officially shelve it.
Currently, the project is in administrative limbo. The Acting Managing Director (MD), Brijesh Mishra, completed his extension term on May 31, and the Metro Rail Corporation is now headless once again. The formalities for appointing a new MD have been completed, and the final decision now lies with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. His nod could either breathe new life into the Neo Metro plan or mark its end.
Originally, two Neo Metro corridors were proposed in Dehradun:
- ISBT to Gandhi Park (8.5 km)
- FRI to Raipur (13.9 km)
- Together, these would span 22.42 km with 25 stations.
The total project cost, initially estimated at ₹1,852 crore, has steadily climbed over the years—reaching ₹2,303 crore by 2024, and possibly approaching ₹3,000 crore today, although the latest estimate is still pending.
The project had a brief moment of momentum in January 2022, when the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was cleared by the state cabinet and forwarded to the Centre. However, a lack of further response or interest from the central government has since stalled progress.
The Public Investment Board (PIB), led by the Chief Secretary, has reviewed the project, but Uttarakhand’s finance department has been hesitant to commit ₹2,300+ crore to the plan without central support.
Meanwhile, several key officials tied to the Metro project have already exited—Director Projects, GM Finance, Additional GM Civil, DGM Civil, DGM Finance, and the Public Relations Officer—leaving the corporation hollow and directionless.
As the state awaits the Chief Minister’s decision on appointing a new MD, the future of Dehradun’s Metro project hangs in the balance—raising serious questions about the accountability of public spending and the viability of long-promised urban infrastructure dreams.
