Lobbying intensifies

METRO RAIL PROJECT
Lobbying intensifies
Deccan Herald

Some Karnataka politicians are suddenly doing more than just talking when it comes to the Bangalore Metro. Lobbying at the Union Ministry of Urban Development has intensified over the last one week, with three central ministers from Karnataka and the Chief Minister himself, requesting the newly-appointed Union Minister for Infrastructure Jaipal Reddy to give speedy clearance to the Bangalore Metro project.

Minister of State for Planning M V Rajashekharan, Minister for Youth Services and Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes and Minister for Surface Transport and Shipping K H Muniappa met Mr Reddy on Tuesday, to stress upon the urgent need for upgradation of Bangalore infrastructure. According to sources, Mr Reddy, in his 45-minute closed door meeting, admitted that he was aware of the dismal state of Bangalore, and assured them of his “full support for the project”.

“This is the first time the three central ministers from Karnataka approached the Urban Development Minister as a group,” Mr Rajashekharan told Deccan Herald from New Delhi. “We explained to him the problems in Bangalore, and he gave us a patient hearing. Issues of costs, funding and feeder systems like monorail were discussed. When we pointed out that each day’s delay in the project results in a loss of Rs 80 lakh, he assured that he will clear the pending files as soon as possible,” he revealed.

Sources add that Chief Minister Dharam Singh called Mr Reddy from Bangalore three days ago, to express his concern over the delay in the project clearance. Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Rehman Khan also met Mr Reddy on Monday to discuss the issue.

As per protocol, the project will first be cleared by the Urban Development Department and a cabinet note will be forwarded to the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs for its approval. Recommendations and objections given by five ministries -- Finance, Planning Commission, Programme Implementation, Environment and Railways -- will have to be incorporated in the cabinet note. According to sources, the CCEA is likely to take the issue next week for the final nod, and once given, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) will take up construction work in mid-January.