Several hiccups for Metro

JAIPUR: The state Cabinet may have endorsed the Metro, but the project still has to clear several "hurdles."
Now, the Centre has to give its nod. Apprehending that it would be difficult to find a private party for the project, the Urban Development department has kept provision for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to handle the project all by itself.
This was corroborated by the a senior UD department official, "We have kept the viability gap funding option to make the proposal attractive for private companies, however, the project can continue without involving a private player."
"Financial aid will be required to fulfil the viability gap. However, this time, the proposal has been drafted in accordance to the specifications of the Planning Commission and is expected to gain approval," said principal secretary urban development, G S Sandhu.
As the Central funds might get delayed, the state government has decided to finance the first phase. On Wednesday, the Cabinet had approved Rs 1,250 crore for development of the Metro corridor from Mansarovar to Chandpole. The DMRC is expected to develop the corridor with state government funds while the infrastructure, including tracks, locomotives will be developed through private partnership. According to the DMRC officials, Rs 189 crore sanctioned by the state government in the recent budget was enough to fund the initial year. The recent approval of additional funds has provided enough money to provide support to continue with the project.
Jaipur Metro is expected to start by 2013 and may transport around 11,500 passengers during peak hours, which is nearly half of its planned capacity. "The public transport share of Jaipur is extremely low as compared to other major cities. The administration intends to increase the public transport to 50% by 2031," says Lalit Meghanani, chief project officer DMRC (Jaipur project).
The government has been looking at JNNURM for funding the project even as the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is still "neglected". Meanwhile, the government’s decision to impose additional tax for dedicated Metro fund has not gone down well with the transporters. The government will have to sort out any possible obstruction before forwarding the proposal.