Chennai: Chennai Metro has come under fire from the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs for “several discrepancies” in the Detailed Project Report (DPR), it prepared for the ambitious phase-II project that envisages bringing another 107 km in the city under the network. The ministry, which holds a 50 per cent stake in the CMRL has asked the new age transport to adhere to the Metro Rail Policy 2017 while preparing the DPR. Some of the discrepancies pointed out by the Ministry include not giving out an analysis of the alternative mode of transport, integration of various modes of commute, detailed plan of how the security of CMRL will be handled and not including components for potential PPP model.
In a letter to the principal secretary, planning, development and special initiatives (SI) department, Lohrii Kapani, under secretary to the government of India wrote, “The projected ridership for 45 km lane of phase one was 7.76 lakh, whereas the actual ridership for the 28 km line currently operational of the 45 km is 30,000 only as against the projected patronage close to 4.5 lakh,” adding that the ridership estimate in the current DPR is not substantiated, neither is there a mention of this. Integration of different modes of transport like roadways and railways is not deliberated and it is imperative that the service providers collaborate for a seamless connection between all the modes, the ministry further mentioned.
They also pointed out that the proposal does not explore any possibility of the Public Private Participation (PPP) model to cut costs and there no mention of alternative means for enhancing non-fare box revenue like advertisements, leasing of space and fire clearances. Moreover, the state government has stated that CMRL has been incurring operating losses since its commencement in 2015, but no reason for the losses have been identified yet and the Urban ministry urged CMRL to explore measures to curb losses on an increasing trend.
The Centre issued a notice to revise the DPR, adhering to the Metro Rail Policy 2017 and the appraisal guidelines. However, it is to be noted that this would be the second time, the department is being asked to revise the DPR for phase-II. The state has earlier submitted its proposal in March this year for approval of funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Center urged the Tamil Nadu government in August 2017 to re-examine the Phase II proposal by taking into account the New Metro Rail Policy of 2017, National Transit Oriented Development Policy and the appraisal framework formulated by the Union government.
This Margazhi season, Urur Olcott Kuppam Vizha in collaboration with the
Chennai Metro Rail Limited is organising performances highlighting art forms of Tamil Nadu including Pariattam, Gaana Paatu and Classical music on Saturday between 5-8 pm from Nehru Park Station to the Airport.
Sudha Raja's Sargam Choir would perform on the metro train From Nehru Park to Airport, Gaana Pattu performance by Minsaram will commence from Thirumangalam Station and will be performed in other metro stations and Pariattam by Friends Kalai kuzhu will be performed at Alandur Metro Station, said an official, CMRL.
Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs stressed on
- Integration of different modes of transport through signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for seamless connect
- Alternative analysis among the different modes of transport to ascertain the most cost effective mode of transport for a particular corridor
- Suitable incorporation of security arrangement
- Inclusion of component for Public Private Participation to ensure cost effectiveness
- A chapter on innovative means to enhance non-fare box revenue like advertisements
- No under/over cost estimation of phase two project report
- Identification of the cause of losses that the department has been incurring since 2015
