Source : The Hindu Date : 16.06.2009
Centre to consider Kochi metro rail project
Staff Reporter
| Decision on mode of implementation soon: Thomas |
KOCHI: The Union Cabinet will soon consider the proposal for the Kochi Metro railway project, said K.V. Thomas, Union Minister of State for Agriculture.
Speaking at a reception organised by the District Congress Committee for the six newly elected Members of Parliament from the district, Prof. Thomas said a decision favourable to the State would be taken by the Cabinet.
He said the Planning Commission and the State government had different views regarding the mode of implementation of the project. A final decision on the implementation would be taken in consultation with all concerned, he said. At the same time, the State government should take a decision regarding the alignment of the metro railway project, he said.
He said new tender had been floated for the railway overbridge at Edapally, as the existing contractor had failed to complete the work as per schedule. Work on the Pullepady overbridge will be completed on time. Several projects have been proposed for the city under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). However, the works have not progressed at the desired pace, the Minister said.
He said a decision by the Agricultural Ministry to buy the organic manure produced by garbage treatment plants would benefit the State too. The FACT had agreed to buy the manure produced at the Brahmapuram treatment plant of the Kochi Corporation, he said.
He said the Union government would decide on the Kuttanad and Idukki Agriculture Relief Packages within 30 days. The State government, on its part, should explain the practical difficulties in implementing the proposals. The Minister said he would allot Rs. 25 lakh each for all the seven Assembly segments in the Ernakulam Parliament constituency for development projects.