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New section of Sitabardi-Zero Mile-Kasturchand Park route of Nagpur Maha Metro, Freedom Park dedicated to the nation at a function in Nagpur

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has expressed confidence that the Sitabardi-Zero Mile-Kasturchand Park corridor established by Mahametro in Nagpur as well as the Freedom Park will add to the splendor of Nagpur. Addressing the inaugural function of the 1.6 km long Sitabardi-Zero Mile-Kasturchand Park route of Maha Metro Nagpur in the city today, he said: “A lot of world-class infrastructure is being built in Nagpur. For the first time in our country, a two-tier metro has been set up”. The route was inaugurated at the Zero Mile point, by Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri. The Chief Minister, along with the Union Ministers, virtually flagged off the first metro train running on this route.

“Underpass connecting Zero Mile Station and Cotton Market to come up”

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari promised funds from Central Roads Fund for an underpass to reach Zero Mile Station from Cotton Market without any hindrance of traffic signals. He also said that MahaMetro has helped a lot in beautification of Telangkhedi Lake and flyover in Nagpur city. He also informed that the proposal for Metro Phase II has been sent to the Union Cabinet for approval. “The work of Nagpur-Mumbai Samrudhi Highway has been started by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways along with Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. All the funds required by the state will be provided by the Central Government.”

Gadkari also promised to provide an additional Rs. 1 lakh crore for the development of Mumbai-Thane cities in the proposed meeting in Mumbai.

 The Nagpur Metro Rail project was approved on August 21, 2014 and its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the same day. My Metro in Nagpur is a Green Metro; 65% of its total energy need is met from solar energy. It also recycles 100% water used by it and is also equipped for harvesting rainwater. There are bio digesters at all stations. Metro receives more than 60% of its revenue from non-fair-box.

“Nagpur Metro Project to be completed by December 2021”

Union Minister for Urban Development and Petroleum Hardeep Singh Puri, who joined the event virtually, said that the project is capable of being a clean and sustainable project as Nagpur Metro uses green energy. He expressed confidence that the Nagpur Metro project would be completed by December 2021.  Traditional Rajput-style architecture is used in designing Kasturchand Park. The facade of Kasturchand Park Metro Station and its architecture have been done on the same lines. Symbolic parts of Rajput architecture like umbrellas, arcs, Rajput nets, carved-on columns are shown at the metro station. This has created a unique structure in the city, said Shri Puri.

Will not let development anywhere hinder: CM

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray assured that the development work will not be hindered anywhere. While constructing the elevated route of the metro project, the Chief Minister suggested to pay attention to beautification under this route as well as to provide some facilities to the citizens. He said that development should take place but we should make sure that there are no shortcomings in it. He expressed confidence that we will do such a good job for the people in the 75th year of independence that it will last for next 75 years.

 The Guardian Minister of Nagpur and Energy Minister, Dr. Nitin Raut expressed confidence that this metro service will be beneficial for smoothening the traffic as well as for providing transport facilities to the students.

 Historic importance of Zero Mile

The Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Nagpur's Zero Mile is a very historic place and the Great Trigonometry Survey was started by the British in 1907 from Zero Mile, Nagpur”.

 The 1.6 km long Sitabardi-Kasturchand Park line will start operations from today, which will enhance the public transport system and connect the most congested areas. The road connects the Vidhan Bhavan, Reserve Bank of India, Central Museum, Sanvidhan Chowk and Morris College in Nagpur. The Zero Mile Freedom Park Metro Station, a masterpiece of architecture in Nagpur, will be the first of its kind in the country to be part of a magnificent 20-storey building with a metro train occupying the fourth floor.

 The inauguration of the 40,000-square-feet Freedom Park around the Zero Mile station also took place today, marking 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 here for Nagpurites to see. Inside Freedom Park is the Amphitheater on the left. The history Wall here stretches up to Shahid Smarak (Martyrs’ memorial).

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Mahesh Chopade/DJM/DW/JW/PM