Agra, the city renowned for the Taj Mahal, is currently grappling with severe traffic congestion on its MG Road, largely due to the ongoing Metro construction. This has resulted in significant inconvenience for commuters and tourists alike.
MG Road, considered the city's lifeline, is witnessing extensive barricading to facilitate the construction of the Agra Metro, significantly reducing the road space available for vehicular movement. In several locations, two lanes have been barricaded, leaving only one lane open, which leads to bottlenecks and standstill traffic, especially when heavy vehicles pass through. Critical congestion points include the stretch from Nalbandh Square to Dhakran Square, and the area from State Bank Chhipitola Square to Sai Ki Takiya and Pratappura Square. The situation is further worsened by footpaths, adjoining shops, and construction materials that narrow the available space.
The traffic police have advised commuters to use alternative routes to ease the pressure on MG Road. However, these alternative routes, including those passing through Madia Katra, Loha Mandi, Kothi Meena Bazaar Ground, and Pul Chinga Modi Railway Bridge to Pachkuiya, are now experiencing increased vehicle pressure and frequent traffic jams. Despite the deployment of additional traffic personnel, heavy congestion persists across MG Road and its surrounding routes.
To mitigate the escalating traffic woes, the Agra administration has implemented a ban on e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws from operating on MG Road until the Metro project's expected completion in December of next year. Agra Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar has directed authorities to widen footpaths and roadside stretches wherever possible. Suggestions have also been made to increase the number of city buses, remove unnecessary poles, and promote alternative routes to Mathura and Firozabad. Construction contractors and drivers have been instructed not to block roads with heavy vehicles during rush hours, and city bus drivers and conductors will be briefed to pick up and drop off passengers only at designated stops. The Agra Police have urged residents to use two-wheelers instead of cars whenever possible and have directed metro authorities to transport construction materials outside peak hours and ensure barricades are placed only where needed.
The Agra Metro project, an ₹8000 Crore initiative covering 29.5 km, aims to revolutionize transportation and tourism in the city. The metro will connect major tourist sites like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Sikandra, reducing travel time and improving convenience. It is also expected to alleviate traffic congestion, especially around the Taj Mahal, and promote a cleaner, more sustainable Agra by reducing reliance on private vehicles and auto-rickshaws.
However, the project has faced several delays. Securing No Objection Certificates (NOC) from various departments caused delays of six to eight months, particularly for tunnel digging near the railway line and the construction of elevated metro stations. Tunneling work between SN Medical College and Bijli Ghar Chauraha is stalled due to pending excavation permission. Originally slated for completion by December 2025, the first corridor is now expected to be finished by March of next year, with the second corridor anticipated by 2027.
Despite the current disruptions, the Agra Metro is poised to significantly benefit tourism and urban mobility upon completion. It promises to reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, and improve connectivity to major tourist attractions. The metro is expected to cater to over 6 million tourists annually, boosting tourism and economic activity in the region. The project features modern, air-conditioned trains with accessibility features and smart ticketing systems. It also incorporates sustainability initiatives like solar panels and regenerative braking systems.
