The Raipur Municipal Corporation has formalised an agreement with Russia’s Ministry of Transport to introduce a light metro system in the state capital. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the International Transport Summit held in Moscow on Thursday.
The Mayor, representing Raipur at the summit, inked the MoU with key Russian officials, including Maksim Liksutov, Moscow’s Deputy Mayor and head of the Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development, and Sergey Cheremin, Moscow’s Minister for External Economic and International Relations. The agreement underscores a commitment to addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges, with a particular emphasis on the environmental benefits of the proposed light metro project.
The initiative aims to enhance Raipur’s transportation network by introducing a modern, eco-friendly transit system. This development is expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and improve urban mobility in the growing city. Mayor expressed optimism about the project’s prospects, noting that his participation in the International Transport Summit since 2022 has been instrumental in advancing these discussions. The MoU signing is a testament to the progress made in these negotiations.
The summit saw participation from representatives of 150 countries, with Raipur’s agreement being one of only 15 MoUs signed. This selectivity highlights the importance of the project and the potential for significant impact. Following the agreement, a delegation from Moscow will visit Raipur to conduct necessary feasibility studies and prepare detailed project reports.
This partnership marks a notable step forward in Raipur’s urban infrastructure development and reflects the city’s proactive approach in embracing sustainable transport solutions. As the project progresses, it will be pivotal in shaping Raipur’s future as a modern, efficient urban centre.
