Dharam capitulates to Gowda demand on Metro

Gowda for changes in Metro, we are willing: Dharam
The Indian Express

BANGALORE, JUNE 15: Chief minister Dharam Singh today said former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda did not oppose the Bangalore Metro Rail Project but had asked for some changes which the state government was willing to carry out.

Stating there was no question of reconsidering the project at this point, he said it was a Central government project, approved by the Planning Commission. Further delay would not be in the interest of the state, he added.

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Meanwhile, Gowda today called for a debate on the issue and said he would not object if the Public Investment Board (PIB) cleared the project. “I am neither opposed to the metro-rail project nor advocating the cause of any company. I have expressed my views, which are based on facts. I am prepared to share these at a public debate,” Gowda told mediapersons.

Gowda said the state government, of which his party was a partner, had only given in-principle approval to the project, which was yet to be cleared by the cabinet. He added several former chief secretaries, too, had expressed their reservations on the project.