Government firm on metro rail, says Kharge

Government firm on metro rail, says Kharge

The Hindu

`The project will not be stopped just because of the opposition to it by some people'

BANGALORE: Minister for Water Resources and Transport M. Mallikarjun Kharge said on Monday that the State Government is firm on implementing the metro rail project here.

Addressing presspersons here, Mr. Kharge said that the metro rail project will not be stopped just because of opposition by some people, including President of the Janata Dal (Secular) H.D. Deve Gowda.

Mr. Kharge said that the Government is in favour of the project as it serves the people of Bangalore, who find it difficult to travel from one place to another.

Approval

"Though Mr. Deve Gowda has expressed his opposition to the project, his party members in the Ministry have given approval for the project. Our Government will go ahead with the project and there will be no change in its decision," the Minister said. Earlier, speaking after inaugurating the fourth regional transport office (RTO) at Yelahanka here, Mr. Kharge said that the metro rail project helps many people. Only around 1,000 property owners will be affected by it. "The Government cannot overlook the benefit against the problems caused to a few," he said. The Minister said that the Government will work out a proper rehabilitation plan for those who will be affected by the project.

`Think ahead'

Mr. Kharge asked the city municipal councils around Bangalore to think ahead while providing basic infrastructure to the people.

This is because of the fact that the city is becoming a much sought after destination for investment by multinational companies, which is adding to the pressure on infrastructure, Mr. Kharge said.

The city municipal councils around Bangalore should make good use of government funds while developing roads and other basic amenities for the people, he said.

The Minister directed the officials concerned to take stringent action against transporters who overload their vehicles, which leads to road damage. Mr. Kharge asked the Yelahanka City Municipal Council to make good use of the investment made in developing basic infrastructure in its limits.