Metro Rail is the only way out: Azad

Metro Rail is the only way out: Azad
The Times of India

Bangalore: After a day-long visit to Bangalore and experiencing ride on bumpy roads amidst traffic jams, Union urban development minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday admitted that metro rail was the solution to ease the city’s traffic woes.

“Roads are narrow here. Metro rail is the only way out for you,’’ Azad told reporters.

Lauding Karnataka government’s efforts in mobilising funds for the project, Azad said it will not be on the lines which was implemented in New Delhi. In the latter case, 64 per cent of funding came from Japan and 36 per cent from the railways. For the Bangalore project, Centre and state were the major financiers, while negotiations were on with Japan for procuring 50 per cent loan.

“Karnataka government is not depending on Japan and making alternative arrangements to raise funds from financial institutions. If Japan agrees it is well and good. Otherwise we will go in for private financial institutions,’’ Azad maintained.

Asked whether a deadline would be set for the project’s completion, Azad said: “Both Centre and state are keen to complete the project at the earliest.’’ On whether Bangalore would be given a special package to develop its infrastructure and had also petitioned PM Manmohan Singh for Rs 6,000 crore, Azad said: “Come up with specific projects. Money cannot be kept on the table and given just like that. We will give money based on the project’s merit. No project will be delayed for want of money.’’

Govts failed on airport project:

Azad indirectly held successive governments in Karnataka responsible for delay in commencement of work on the Bangalore international airport. “As Union civil aviation minister a decade ago, I signed two papers on the same day, sanctioning international airports for Bangalore and Kochi. Work on Kochi airport started six years ago and the President inaugurated it in 2004. What can I do if the state government’s fails?’’ he asked.