Question : LIGHT METRO PROJECT

(a) Whether the Government has recommended a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for the Light Metro Project at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala;

(b) If so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) Whether the PPP model even with adequate VGF has often resulted in long delays and cost overruns, as has been evident from previous metro rail projects, implemented in cities such as Mumbai;

(d) If so, whether the Government proposes to consider executing the project as a joint venture between the Union Government and the State Government of Kerala; and

(e) If so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a) & (b): Government of India has advised the Government of Kerala to explore the Public Private Partnership (PPP) option for the proposed Light Metro Project at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

(c): There is no such study carried out by the Ministry of Urban Development which attributes the long delay and cost overruns to the PPP mode of implementation.

(d) & (e): No such proposal has been received from the Governmet of Kerala in the Ministry of Urban Development.