UP CM Akhilesh Yadav clears Metro in Modi seat, 3 other cities.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet recently cleared proposal for metro-rail in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency Varanasi along with Agra, Meerut and Kanpur.

During the meeting, it was decided that Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), a Government of India (GoI) undertaking, will be given the task to conduct the feasibility study in these cities and also prepare the detailed project report (DPR).

Union Urban Development Ministry has been eyeing the possibility of a metro-rail in Varanasi.

Sources in the government inform that officials of RITES would be called in Lucknow this week to discuss further formalities to appoint it as the consulting agency.

'Once the consultancy work is given, it usually takes six months to complete the feasibility study. We plan to start the process in next few days.' said Sadakant, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Planning Department, Uttar Pradesh government.

Cabinet also cleared a proposal which says that respective development authorities would fund the study if GoI refuses to fund 50 per cent of the study. 'Government of India funds 50 per cent for the study and preparation of DPR only when the consultant is appointed through tender process. RITES is a GoI undertaking and has expertise in handling such projects. If the central government does not approve for funding, respective development authorities would bear the burden for the study,' said a senior officer.

It may be noted that feasibility and preparation of the DPR on one metro project takes around Rs. 3 to 4 crore.


THE INDIAN EXPRESS