Nagpur marked a major step in its sustainable transport journey with the launch of the first 25-metre span on the Orange Line’s Reach-2B corridor, signalling the beginning of full-scale construction for the Metro Phase 2 expansion. The milestone, achieved with a specialised launching girder named Sahyadri, connects Lekha Nagar to Kanhan River Metro Station and forms part of a 6 km stretch crucial to linking northern industrial and residential belts with the city’s core network.
Officials emphasised that the extension represents far more than an infrastructure project. The Orange Line’s 12-km expansion, designed to run from Automotive Square to Sai Mandir near the Kanhan River, is expected to cut commuting time, ease pressure on congested arterial roads, and provide low-emission mobility for thousands of daily riders. With completion of Reach-2B targeted within 24 months, city planners are confident that the project will accelerate Nagpur’s ambition to transition towards clean, accessible and inclusive urban mobility.
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The corridor is split into two phases. Reach-2A, which is already under development, includes stations such as Pili Nadi, Khairi Fata and Lok Vihar, while Reach-2B will serve Cantonment, Kamptee Police Station, Golf Club, Dragon Palace and Kanhan River. Together, these stations are positioned to bring seamless access to suburban clusters and reduce dependency on polluting road traffic.
In addition to the sanctioned stretch, a further 1.3 km extension beyond Kanhan River Metro Station is under proposal. The plan, submitted to the state government, includes a 500-metre steel viaduct across the Kanhan River at an estimated cost of ₹300 crore. If cleared, the extension will provide critical last-mile connectivity to industrial zones and peri-urban communities while strengthening integration with Phase 2 of the Metro. Transport experts believe that this expansion is pivotal to advancing equitable city growth. By offering a reliable and zero-tailpipe emission alternative, the Metro could shift commuter behaviour away from private vehicles, reduce traffic accidents, and lower the city’s carbon footprint. Observers also note that such projects promote gender-inclusive mobility by providing safer, monitored and predictable public transport options for women and vulnerable groups.
The launch builds on Nagpur Metro’s growing reputation as one of India’s most advanced urban rail systems. In July, construction began on the Aqua Line’s Reach-3A extension, where the first 31-metre span was installed using a ground-supported launching system. That section, which includes a challenging 120-metre span across the Vena River, is also expected to conclude in 24 months. Together, the Orange and Aqua Line extensions reflect Nagpur’s positioning as a model city for sustainable mobility, with projects designed to accommodate economic growth without compromising environmental resilience. While the project timelines remain ambitious, authorities insist that the use of pre-cast segment technology and advanced launching systems will ensure efficiency and safety. For residents, the expansion holds the promise of shorter, cleaner, and more equitable travel across key residential, commercial, and industrial hubs, underlining Nagpur’s shift towards a greener urban future.
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Nagpur Launches First Span Of Metro Phase 2 Orange Line extension
