Adding to the splendor and magnificence of the Nagpur city, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the 1.6 km long Sitabuldi-Zero Mile-Kasturchand Park corridor which is established by Mahametro. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray along with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri virtually flagged off the first metro train running on the Zero-Mile point route. This accounts for the first time in India that a two-tier metro has been set up. The CM, at the inaugural function, said that the Zero Mile and the Freedom Park stations are a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by freedom fighters of the country.
The newly inaugurated metro stretch consists of two stations, Zero Mile Freedom Park and Kasturchand Park. Both the stations hold unique features and highlights, like, the Zero Mile station has a 60,000-sq ft park and consists of a 20 storey building which is designed by a French architect. The metro is geared to run at the sixth-floor level in this 20 storey building that will have a symbolic presentation of the Zero Mile on its facade. It is interesting to note that Nagpur’s Zero Mile holds historic significance as the Great Trigonometry Survey was initiated by the British in 1907 from Zero Mile, Nagpur.
Kasturchand Park is designed and equipped with traditional Rajput-style architecture. The facade of Kasturchand Park Metro Station and its architecture has been done on the same lines. Here also, symbolic parts of Rajput architecture including umbrellas, arcs, Rajput nets, carved-on columns are displayed at the metro station.
Minister ensures funds for Underpass to reach Zero Mile Station:
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari ensured that funds will be released from the Central Roads Fund for an underpass which will connect Zero Mile Station from Cotton Market without any hindrance of traffic signals. In addition to this, MahaMetro, who is involved in the project, has worked in the beautification of Telangkhedi Lake and flyover in Nagpur city. In the inaugural function, Union Minister Gadkari also promised to provide an additional amount of Rs. 1 lakh crore for the development of Mumbai-Thane cities.
The Nagpur Metro Rail project was approved in 2014 and the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After 27 months of inauguration, the project achieved a major feat when it became the fastest Metro project to reach the trial stage.
My Metro running in Nagpur is a Green Metro; 65% of the total energy need is met from solar energy. In addition, 100% of the water used by the rail is recycled. There are biodigesters at all stations. Metro receives more than 60% of its revenue from non-fair-box.
The 1.6 km long Sitabuldi-Kasturchand Park line will aid in enhancing the public transport system and connect the most congested areas of the city. The road connects the Vidhan Bhavan, Reserve Bank of India, Central Museum, Sanvidhan Chowk, and Morris College in Nagpur. The inauguration of the Zero Mile station marked the 75th anniversary of the country’s independence. The station is now called Zero Mile Freedom Park Station. It has unique concepts like Public Plaza and History Wall. The T-55 tank used in the war has also been installed for people to see.
