We are in process of obtaining necessary clearances: Sanjiv Rai

TOI talks to CEO and MD of Rapid Metro Sanjiv Rai. Excerpts:
What is the renewed deadline for the Rapid Metro project? When is the commercial operation likely to begin?
We are in process of obtaining necessary clearances from relevant authorities. Trial runs are being carried out and we will commence our Phase 1 commercial operations shortly.
What is the reason(s) for the substantial delay?
The biggest challenge in India, as elsewhere, is the acquisition of land.In the case of Rapid Metro, some portion of land was acquired later than we had anticipated. Besides, we are constructing in a highly congested area having high vehicular traffic flow. Construction work is done at night to ensure minimum disruption to traffic flow in the area, which further slows down the progress. All these factors have led to delays in completion of civil works.
How much work is still left to be done at the stations?
Our track work is complete and trial runs have commenced along the entire track. Civil work at all stations is complete, except Gateway Towers. We are in process of obtaining necessary clearances and will commence our service shortly.
Have you sent the letter to the chief of metro rail safety (CMRS) inspector inviting him to carry out the mandatory tests?
We have received speed certificate for oscillation trials from the ministry of railways. Now, we are in touch with CMRS to proceed further on this.
How long will it take to commence the operations after you receive the green light from the CMRS?
After receiving the requisite approval from CMRS, we will commence with our Phase I commercial services.
Is there any specific hitch holding up the project that was originally to have been ready by January 2013?
As mentioned earlier, challenges in land acquisition along with high density of population in area of construction slowed the progress of work. There are stringent guidelines to be followed, clearances and approvals are needed from various civic agencies. Rapid Metro is mindful of growing need and urgent demand for sustainable transport in Gurgaon. We are committed to providing world class public transport system and are hopeful that operations will commence shortly.
(As told to Joel Joseph)