Chidambaram promises world-class Metro and speedy airport

Chidambaram promises world-class Metro and speedy airport
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Expressing concern over the recent controversy regarding Bangalore's infrastructure, including the resignation of Infosys Chief Mentor N R Narayana Murthy as Chairman of Bangalore International Airport Limited, Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Sunday promised a world-class Metro to the City and called upon Chief Minister Dharam Singh to expedite the airport project.

Inaugurating the platinum jubilee celebrations of Vijaya Bank here, Chidambaram felt that only the economy could make the country strong and stressed that “nothing should be said or done to disturb the persons involved in economic activities.''

Later speaking to mediapersons, Chidambaram refused to comment on the controversy over Murthy's resignation, but said that he was unhappy that there was a controversy.

“Efforts are on to convince Narayana Murthy to continue as BIAL Chairman and I will also request him to reconsider his resignation,'' he added.

However, during his address, Chidambaram said that he would be concerned if anything was done to affect economic activity.

Karnataka is lauded as the first of many things, including extending farm loans at six percent, tank rejuvenation programme and Yeshaswini, which would be replicated in other parts of the country.

“However, the developmental works should be taken up at the pace in which the Chinese Government is building a second international airport at Beijing,'' he said.

“Another pet project is the Bangalore Metro, which is very dear to my heart. Whatever may be the hurdles, I will give a world-class Metro for Bangalore”.

“All of us should work with determination to make it a reality. The best projects like this will accelerate our economic growth,'' Chidambaram said.

Stating that only the economy could make India strong, he regretted that though the world has recognised India's potential, Indians are yet to recognise it.