In the most recent feasibility study report submitted to the UT administration, Indian Railways consultancy RITES Ltd proposed a 64.3 km metro rail network connecting Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula.

The report recommends building the metro rail system in two phases. The first phase in Chandigarh consists of three corridors with a combined length of 44.5 km, of which 16 km will be underground. In the second phase, the network will be extended to Mohali and Panchkula.

The idea for the metro rail system in Chandigarh was first floated in 2009 and the detailed project report (DPR), which cost Rs. 1.5 crores to produce was only finished in 2012. Subsequently, surveys were conducted and the first phase was due to start in 2013.

However, the Home Office eventually rejected it in 2017 because Member of Parliament (MP) Kirron Kher opposed it in 2014, claiming it would uproot the city.

After a year, the MRTS plans came into force again in August 2021 when the UT board made the decision to follow a new comprehensive mobility strategy.

Compared to its population of over 12 lakh, Chandigarh has the highest number of registered cars per house in the country - 34 lakh - resulting in traffic jams and grunts. In addition, more than two lakh vehicles pass through the city every day on highways.

This growing problem is to be addressed through the Comprehensive Mobility Plan provided to RITES last December.