Question : METRO RAIL SERVICE

(a) the criteria for introducing metro rail services in the country;

(b) whether the Government proposes to expand the metro rail services in various other cities in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the names of the cities identified for the purpose;

(d) whether the Government has provided/proposes to provide financial assistance to States to upgrade the metro rail services/network in their States; and

(e) if so, the details thereof including the funds allocated/released during the last three years and current year, State and year-wise?

MINISTER OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M. VENKAIAH NAIDU)

(a) : Madam, a metro rail project is recommended in cities which ordinarily have: …

(i) Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic (PHPDT) details of more than 20,000 for at least 5 km of continuous length by 2021;

(ii) Total population of more than 2 million as per 2011 census;

(iii) Average trip length of more than 7-8 km for motorized trips;

(iv) At least one million ridership per day on organized public transport.

However, each project is appraised and approved based upon various criteria such as feasibility of alternate options, availability of resources, financial and economic viability etc.

(b) & (c) : Central Government supports development of public transport, including metro rail service, in line with National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), 2006 subject to availability of resources.

(d) : No, Madam.

(e) : Does not arise.