PM green signal for metro work on June 24

PM green signal for metro work on June 24
New Indian Express

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will formally inaugurate the work on Bangalore Metro Rail project on June 24.

Disclosing this during a function here on Thursday, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said the State Government had requested the PM to inaugurate the project work. However, he said the government was waiting for the confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) managing director V Madhu said the State Government and the Centre are likely to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to implement the project.

"This is just a formality to be completed this month," he added.

BMRC has made all preparations to start the work on the project. In the first phase, the corporation will take up the work on the 7-km stretch from Cubbon Road to Byappanhalli. The 32-km, partially underground, elevated and surface metro is likely to ease traffic congestion in the city.

However, the government is yet to acquire private land for the project. BMRC is working on a few packages to give adequate compensation to land owners.

BMIC LANDS: Referring to the BMIC controversy, CM said that he would give away land if he had owned any, near the project. He also said that a prominent Congress leader owned land near Jayanagar South End Circle, which was suitable to construct a metro rail station. "Will he give this land for metro project?" he questioned.