Lok Sabha
The Centre has informed the Lok Sabha that the concerned State Governments have submitted proposals for setting up rail-based mass rapid transit systems in the cities of Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Kochi. The Governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have also proposed extension of the Delhi Metro to Noida and Gurgaon respectively. The Minister of State in the Union Urban Development Ministry, Shri Ajay Maken told Lok Sabha today. He said that a wide range of Public transport technologies that include Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS), Sky Bus, Monorail, Electric trolley bus, light rail, and others are possible in various cities. Shri Maken said that the Urban Transport being a State Subject, a decision on the choice of technology is required to be taken by the concerned State Governments, based on factors like the demand, city shape, finances available and othes.
Mr. Maken also said that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has planned a public transport network to be implemented in three phases in the next fifteen years which includes about 115 km of metro, 294 km corridor of high capacity bus system, about 74 km of elevated light rail transit system and 48 km of elevated mono rail.
Shri Maken also told the House that the Government of Kerala has proposed construction of a 25.3 km long elevated rail-based Light Metro for Kochi from Alwaye to Petta (Tripunithura) at an estimated cost of Rs.1966 crore without taxes and duties. The Minister stated that the State Government has proposed implementation of the project through a public private partnership, for which they have to identify a private partner. The Minister said that the question of any action by the Government of India would arise only after the bidding process is complete and a firm estimate of the financial requirements becomes available.
Shri Maken said that since public transport occupies less road space and emits less pollution per unit of passenger-km carried compared to personal motor vehicles, improved public transport is recommended strategy for reducing congestion and air pollution in a city.
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PVR
(Release ID :16467)