But relief is not so near in the future. Experts say even if the project takes off without any delay, it will take at least five years to complete. If clearances are delayed, it may take even 10 years.

They cite the example of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). After more than 40 years of study into a rail-based mass transit system, construction began on October 1, 1998. The first metro trip became possible only in December, 2002.

With 10 years of research and not even a single study suggesting the metrorail system for the tricity, the region should consider itself fortunate if the project materialises. The region will be the country’s third urban complex, after Kolkata and Delhi, to go in for the metrorail.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Punjab and Haryana are still trying to figure out the extension of the system in their areas beyond the Chandigarh urban complex. While Punjab has agreed to extend it up to Mohali and Kharar on one side and Dera Bassi on the other, it may eventually want to link it with Patiala and Ropar as well. Punjab Government has already entered into an agreement with the Delhi Metro for feasibility study of a metro system in Ludhiana, says Punjab Chief Secretary Ramesh Inder Singh. Haryana, too, has so far proposed to limit its plans to Panchkula and Kalka but a detailed project report is yet to be prepared before the final decision, says state Chief Secretary Promilla Issar.

While various expert committees had been suggesting other modes of mass transit for Chandigarh, a letter from the UT Administrator Gen S F Rodrigues to the PMO, may just have prompted the Centre to consider the metro.

The letter, dated December 27, 2007 and addressed to TKA Nair, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, urged for an underground metrorail system for the region.