New Delhi, Apr 04: The Centre has granted exemption in taxes and duties to the tune of Rs 1403 crore to the Delhi Metro Project to enable it to complete the first phase within the estimated finished cost of the project. A notification has been issued granting exemption of import duties of Rs 945 crore and excise duty of Rs 458 on all items of equipment including machinery and rolling stock procured by or on behalf of the DMRC for use in the Delhi MRTS project, a DMRC release said today. "The exemptions will enable the first phase of the metro project, consisting of three lines covering 62 kms, to be completed within the estimated finished cost of RS 10571 crore at the 2005 price level," the release said.

Similar exemption of sales tax of Rs 140 crore and works contract tax of Rs 250 crore were expected from the Delhi government, the release said.
Bureau Report