Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the operation of Delhi Metro Airport line was suspended for more than six months;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether any investigation has been conducted and accountability fixed in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details and outcome thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)
(a)&(b): Yes, Madam. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (DMRC) has informed that operation on Delhi Metro Airport Line was suspended from 08.07.2012 to 20.01.2013. This was on account of dispute between DMRC and the concessionaire i.e. M/s Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Limited, regarding damage in civil structures. The line was opened on 21.01.2013 after conducting trial runs and obtaining safety certificate from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety.
(c)&(d): Yes, Madam. DMRC has informed that accountability was fixed on the consultant, the civil contractor and DMRC officials who were involved in the execution of the project. As an outcome, the consultant, who was the Engineer for the project, forfeited the performance security of Rs. 5.80 crore. The civil contractor was disqualified for participating in DMRC tenders. The Assistant Engineer and Deputy Chief Engineer for the project were taken up under Discipline and Appeal Rules.
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