The Hindu Business Line : `Bangalore Metro will be cleared soon'

The Union Minister for Urban Development, Mr Jaipal Reddy , today said that the Bangalore Metro project would be taken up as soon as the recommendations by the GoM (Group of Ministers) are approved by the Cabinet.

"It will not be delayed for more than a few weeks," he said as the GoM had already finalised a list of recommendations for the implementation of metro rail projects in the country. Mr Reddy was in the city to inaugurate residential quarters for Central Government employees.

Mr Reddy also said that the Centre would extend financial and logistic support for the implementation of the metro project. Responding to a question on the possible delay in the project implementation if it is not cleared by the Japan Bank of International Co-operation, which has in principle agreed to extend a loan of Rs 1,800 crore, he said, "I don't see any difficulty in getting from the Japanese bank."

PTI adds:

Mr Reddy said the Union Government will extend financial and other forms of logistical support to ensure that the "dream of Bangalore Metro comes true".

Mr Reddy said the Union Government was aware that Bangalore's "rather exceptional" growth has put existing infrastructure under strain and added that the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission would address infrastructure problems of the city.

He said the Centre is determined to raise Rs 50,000 crore under the mission so that State Governments and urban local bodies can be encouraged to raise a "matching amount".