A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Constructing and Operating Metro Lines in Metropolitan Cities (Case Study: Qom Metro Line B Project)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mahdi Moradi 1
Emad Moeini 2
Mohammad Reza Angoshtbaf 3
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Qo.C., Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran.
2 Head of the Supervision Department of the Urban Train Organization of Qom Municipality, Qom, Iran.
3 Ph.D., Student, Department of Management, University of Tehran and CEO of Qom City Train Organization, Qom, Iran.
10.22034/road.2024.445694.2260
Abstract
Qom is a significant religious center that has become a densely populated metropolis. This is due to its proximity to other populated cities and its role as a communication route. As megacities become increasingly dense, surface routes alone cannot reduce traffic, making subway transportation methods like metros necessary. Before beginning the project, the incomes, benefits, and costs of building metro lines in large cities should be studied and evaluated. Most metro line construction project costs are related to the construction phase. Considering the costs of repair, maintenance, and operational activities when planning a metro line is worthwhile. These costs are often hidden and not considered initially. Therefore, when conducting a financial and economic study of a metro line, it is necessary to include the costs of initial studies, construction, operation, repair, and maintenance. Additionally, direct revenues from the project can come from ticket sales, advertising, rent, or sales of commercial sections within the station. Building a metro line can also bring benefits, such as reducing fuel consumption, pollution, resource waste caused by accidents, and depreciation. In this study, we analyzed the benefit-to-cost index of the Qom B line metro project. The results showed that the project would become profitable after 20 years and benefit the government economically.

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Keywords
Cost-benefit Analysis
Metro Lines
Construction
Operation
Qom Metro