Sena,NCP want underground Metro; Congress,BJP differ

The PMC has approved the Metro proposal and sent it to the state government for getting the central government’s nod for its implementation. The proposal prepared by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) recommends elevated,underground and on ground Metro rail in the city. However,the NCP recently said underground Metro rail was only better solution for the city. Shiv Sena corporators Prithviraj Sutar and Ashok Harnawal tabled a resolution that there should be changes in the proposed Metro rail project and it should be made underground through out the city. The proposal was supported by NCP and a BJP corporator.

There was voting held on the proposal and the Congress and BJP,except BJP corporator Sunil Kamble,opposed the move and it was shelved on majority vote.

The BJP instead got another resolution passed on Metro rail to appoint a technical consultant and economic consultant for the project.

“There was demand of amending the earlier plan and go for underground metro rail in the city. This was rejected by majority vote,” said standing committee chairman Ganesh Bidkar.

He said the BJP is firm on implementing the metro rail as per the DMRC report and support mix of elevated and underground Metro rail for the city. “The changes in the metro rail proposal would further delay implementation of the project,” Bidkar added.

Shiv Sena leader Shyam Deshpande said the party has been keen on underground Metro rail and the NCP has taken a cue from its stand.

Congress leader Ulhas Bagul said the Metro rail project should not be politicised. “All political parties should work for bringing the Metro rail project by 2014 instead of debating on technical issues,” he said.