Dharwad district in-charge Santosh Lad is considering implementing a Light Rail Transit (LRT) between Hubballi and Dharwad. The project is currently in the active discussion stage.
It is an ambitious project proposed by Santosh Lad. Initial steps have been taken to discuss the project’s feasibility, and there are indications that a decision will be taken in 2-3 months.
If everything goes well, Hubballi Dharwad cities will be the first city in India to get Light Rail Transit (LRT) service. The project is being planned to ease traffic congestion in twin cities.
Currently, the limited-stop BRTS buses (100D) take approximately 25-30 minutes to cover the distance. However, the LRT is expected to take 55-60 minutes between Hubballi and Dharwad.
Light Rail Transit (LRT) is an Urban Transportation System characterized by combining Tram and Rapid Transit systems. It will serve the floating population of Hubballi Dharwad.
The rolling stock (the train) is similar to a traditional Tram but it operates at a higher capacity and speed. It is expected that a 3-coach LRT will ferry 250 people at a time.
Minister Santosh Lad stated that BRTS will not be scrapped once LRT is implemented. It requires a small ramp for rail movement, and the existing space in the HDBRTS corridor will be utilized.
Also read: HDBRTS ridership per day is Second highest in India.
Hubballi Dharwad is poised for significant growth in the next 10 to 20 years, and the implementation of new transit systems such as LRT will ensure the twin cities are well-prepared for the future.
HDBRTS serving the twin cities of Hubballi Dharwad has a ridership of 80,000 to 1,00,000 per day on average. The addition of LRT will cater to the increased population in the coming years.