Bhopal: The proposed survey for Bhopal Metro
Rail is the right step at the right time by the Madhya Pradesh
government, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Managing
Director, E Sreedharan has said.
"The survey for Metro Rail in Bhopal is a right step at
the right time by the Madhya Pradesh government," Sreedharan,
popularly known as `Metro Man`, said at a presentation
organised by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) on the Bus
Rapid Transit System (BRTS) Corridor and Traffic for
Increasing Population here yesterday.
It may take six to seven years to start Metro Rail in
Bhopal, he said.
Noting that Metro Rail was an expensive affair,
Sreedharan said it will cost around Rs 100-110 crore per
kilometre of the project.
He suggested that the State government prepare a city
mobility plan and comprehensive transport plan before starting
survey of Metro Rail. "After preparation of these plans,
whenever the State government desires, the DMRC will start
survey," Sreedharan said.
Before the commencement of the survey of Metro Rail, a
feasibility survey would also be undertaken, he added.
The DMRC Managing Director said suburban rail service was
also an useful option.
Suburban rail service will be established by the Railways
but the cost will have to be borne by the State government, he
said.
"Most B-grade cities like Lucknow, Indore and Bhopal at
present have a population of almost two million plus and
before that figure reaches three million, metro trains should
be made available for public transportations," Sreedharan told
reporters later.
Asked about the superfast bullet trains that are common
in abroad, he said that though Kerala government has planned a
project for bullet trains, it will take time to bring these
trains into the country.
On the occasion, Madhya Pradesh Urban Administration and
Development Minister, Babulal Gaur said Metro Rail was
necessary in Bhopal to meet the increasing traffic pressure
due to development of the city in all directions.
"Only Metro Rail will meet the demand of rapidly growing
traffic of Bhopal. Any alternative to Metro Rail will be of no
use," Gaur said referring to the Sreedharan`s suggestion for
using suburban rail service.
Japan and other countries give loan on minimum rate of
interest for a long period for Metro Rail and efforts will be
made to get loan from there, he said.
The Minister informed Sreedharan that around 60,000
people come to Bhopal daily from nearby towns and cities.
Moreover, looking into the fast development of the city
area, Metro Rail is the necessity of the future, Gaur said
adding that the city`s population is expected to cross 40 lakh
within the next 10 years while at present it is more than 20
lakh.
PTI
