The online inauguration ceremony will also be attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

 

According to Agra District Magistrate Prabhu N. Singh, "The Prime Minister will be virtually inaugurating the project in the presence of the Chief Minister and other dignitaries on December 1. The required arrangements are being made."

 

In the first phase, three metro stations -- Taj East Gate, Basai and Fatehabad road, and an elevated four-km-long track will be constructed within 26 months and at an expected cost of Rs 273 crore. The tendering process has been completed.

 

On February 28, 2019, the Union cabinet had approved the Agra Metro Rail project with two corridors that would connect major public nodes, tourist places and city cluster areas in Agra.

 

According to the UP Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRC) officials, the Rs 8,379.62 crore Agra Metro Rail project will be a major boost to the urban public transport connectivity in the city.

 

The implementation of the metro rail system will result in less vehicular traffic and better movement on the roads leading to a reduction in congestions, travel time, cost of journeys, accidents and pollution.

 

According to the detailed project report (DRP) approved by the Union cabinet, the Agra Metro Rail project will have two corridors passing through the heart of the city and connecting prominent tourist places, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Etmaddulah and Sikandra, as well as major government offices, hospitals and market places.

 

A total of 27 stations will be developed along the 29.4 km rail corridor in the city.

 

Ahead of the programme, barricading for the construction of the first corridor is being done on Fatehabad road. Besides, the foundation of the first metro rail station will be laid opposite TDI Mall on Fatehabad road.