Light Metro’s next hurdle to be central nod, getting funds

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The role of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in the execution of the two light metro projects in the state will be debated further.

PWD minister V.K. Ebrahim Kunju told DC that the role of DMRC would be decided only after the projects getting the mandatory clearance from the Centre. Now the priority of the government would be to ensure Central funds.

“When we planned the Kochi metro, there were difficulties in getting the Central clearance. It’s going to take at least three months to get the clearance from the Union urban development ministry,” he said.

“We will be submitting the DPR along with a comprehensive mobility plan before the Centre very soon”.

Mr Kunju said the cabinet would take a final decision on the DMRC’s role soon after getting the Central clearance. The finance department was very positive about the projects.

“Simultaneously, we will kick off the preparatory works in both the cities (Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram). Land acquisition would be carried out immediately, for which funds would be released soon by the finance department,” he said.

However, DMRC expressed unhappiness over the delay. “The government has granted administrative sanction but without appointing a turnkey consultant, land acquisition procedures cannot start,” said an official. Both the projects are expected to cost around Rs 6,728 crores together.