| Cities must pursue Metro systems like Kochi, says Union Ministry by railgenie on 30 August, 2012 - 04:00 PM | ||
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 railgenie | Cities must pursue Metro systems like Kochi, says Union Ministry on 30 August, 2012 - 04:00 PM | |
The Union Urban Development Ministry wants cities to do more than just express intent to have a metro railway system. The Ministry is annoyed that cities have been limiting their role to submitting a detailed project report and attaching an application for the Centre to approve and fund their metro systems.A senior official of the Ministry on Wednesday said cities should play a more proactive role and emulate Kochi’s determination to get the metro project sanctioned.“Cities like Patna, Lucknow, Nagpur and Pune are all entitled to a metro system, but there has been lack of enthusiasm from the respective State governments. It is not enough to send a project report, attach an application and then claim the file is pending with the Centre. They have to come to us with details of the State Cabinet approvals and budget details for the projects,” said an official.“Kochi Metro is an example of how a metro project needs to be followed up. There was doggedness on their part for the sanction of metro in the city,” the official said.Brushing aside concerns of financial non-viability, the official said: “We have drafted and circulated a plan for the cities to make metro viable. Metro depots and stations can be used for commercial activities; they can be used to accommodate malls, cinema halls, and office spaces. Property tax along metro corridors can be hiked, land use can be changed to raise funds.” | ||