Need for ‘Extended-Metro-Connectivity’ linking prestigious educational, Healthcare Institutions in Jammu: Dr Shakti Gupta

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: “The one public service “besides AIIMS”, that holds the power to change lives for Delhiites and people visiting Delhi, is none other than the “Delhi Metro”. I have personally witnessed this transformation during my 27 years of stay in Delhi. “Delhi Metro Services”, with its inception in 2002 is witnessing its continuous expansion over the years. It has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of daily lives, becoming an indispensable part of routines of many. I have realized, “Delhi Metro” not only connects destinations but also connects dreams, and aspirations of countless Delhiites”, said Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Founder Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu. The Executive Director conveyed his gratitude saying, “A heartfelt thanks to all the individuals, organizations, and authorities involved in planning, funding, constructing, and operating the “Metro Projects”. Your dedication and efforts have significantly improved the quality of life for the residents of India”.

In enumerating the myriad advantages and potentials that the metro service bestows upon residents, Dr Shakti Gupta articulated several key points. Metro lines alleviate traffic congestion, reducing vehicles on roads, lower carbon emissions, promote cleaner air and health, save time by bypassing traffic, offer a reliable commute, ensuring cost-efficiency, eliminate fuel and parking expenses, operating in all seasons and ensure dependable transportation. Metro lines spur economic growth, create jobs, attract tourists, improve safety, reduce road traffic and accidents, foster community integration, promote public health, and empowering individuals.
Above all, metro networks facilitate access to educational institutions and learning centres, empowering students and lifelong learners to pursue academic and intellectual endeavours with ease. Dr Gupta, recalled his communication with DMRC addressing his letters to Metro Man, Mr. E Sreedharan (Managing Director, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation), which played a pivotal role in persuading DMRC to link AIIMS New Delhi with Trauma Centre. Additionally, he reminisced about his endeavours to establish a Metro station near the AIIMS Jhajjar, National Cancer Institute.
Talking about “AIIMS Jammu”, he added, “I envision AIIMS Jammu as a global village with international student support and training programs. It’s anticipated to serve 6000-8000 patients from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. The institute will cater to various travellers including patients, students, guardians, and staff commuting daily to Vijaypur from Jammu and surrounding areas. AIIMS, Jammu is about 30 kms from the Central Bus Stand, approximately 26 kms from Jammu Railway Station and 27 kms from Airport of Jammu. Metro connectivity has already been planned up to Bari Brahmana which is only about 10 miles from the AIIMS, Jammu site.
To lessen the hardship of the people travelling from Jammu region, nearby areas and states, a need for extending the metro connectivity till Vijaypur is already been proposed. He said, given the rapid pace of development in Jammu, particularly on its emergence as an educational centre housing INIs like AIIMS, IIT, IIM and other prestigious institutions, like University of Jammu, Central University, Agricultural University, Indian Institute of Integrated Medicine the erstwhile Regional Research Laboratory and our Government Medical College Jammu to name a few, there arises a pressing need for a swift, cost-effective, secure, and dependable transportation system such as the “Jammu Metro”.
Dr Gupta also highlighted several on-going initiatives across various institutions, such as the joint MBA program in Hospital Management administered by IIM in partnership with IIT and AIIMS. Likewise, there are other collaborative endeavours like the Joint PhD Program involving IIT and several others, all necessitating the mobility of students and faculty among participating institutions. The proximity of these esteemed institutions fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange among students, faculty, and researchers. The metro line acts as a catalyst for interdisciplinary interactions and partnerships, leading to innovative solutions and advancements in various fields. Dr. Shakti emphasised his proposal of extending metro service not only to healthcare facilities, particularly hospitals like AIIMS, but also to prestigious educational institutes like IIM-Jammu, IIT-Jammu, University of Jammu, Central University, Indian Institute of Integrated Medicine, GMC-Jammu and others.
As articulated by Dr Gupta, this extension will be a boon for students as discounted fares and fixed schedules ensure affordable and punctual commutes, while enhanced security measures offer peace of mind, especially during late hours. Improved accessibility to major educational hubs simplifies navigation for foreigners and visitors, with added cultural immersion opportunities. Safety features like surveillance cameras and women-only compartments cater to the needs of female passengers, while accessibility features such as wheelchair ramps benefit specially-abled individuals, while local staff experience time and cost savings, fostering community connection and sustainability. Overall, the extended metro network plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for diverse societal groups. As Jammu aims to position itself as a global educational hub, tourist magnet, and religious centre, the anticipated influx of people underscores the urgency of investing in robust transportation infrastructure. Now is the time to turn this vision into reality, shaping a future where Jammu stands as a beacon of progress and prosperity. Prof Shakti Gupta concluded saying, Jammu, as a smart City, must embrace this opportunity to extend the Metro Rail connectivity to link Prestigious Educational and Healthcare Institutions in Jammu, and the need is compelling and urgent. By investing in this transformative project, we will not only address upcoming transportation needs but also lay the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future, contributing to the city’s vibrancy, appeal and development.