Reddy urges to shift focus on CWG celebrations

There is a ridiculous talk about the expenditure incurred on the Commonwealth Games, he said after inaugurating the Central Secretariat-Qutub Minar corridor of the Gurgaon Metro link here.

He was not specific but was apparently referring to party colleague Mani Shankar Aiyar and some others who have been raising questions over the funds spent on the Games being held here from October three.

Reddy asserted that all those who have indulged in corrupt practices in projects related to the Games will not be spared at any cost.

But I think time has come now for us to alter our popular mood and come for celebrating the Commonwealth Games, he said and appealed to the media to highlight the aspects of the wonderful world class stadia that have been built already.

On the expenditure incurred on the CWG,he referred to his statement in Parliament where said the Union Government has spent Rs 11,494 crore on Commonwealth Games related matters and the Government of Delhi has spent a total of Rs 16,000 crore on all infrastructure and other projects.

Reddy said the expenditure incurred on extension of Metro rail to various parts of the capital,on powerplants,roads and flyovers are being unnecessarily,I should say,objectionably being debited into the Commonwealth Games account.

He assured all work is being done to ensure smooth games and there cannot be success unless there is willful cooperation from every section of the people. Reddy said projects executed before the Commonwealth Games would be part of the national capitals lasting legacy. He also termed as ridiculous exaggeration the amount being spend on the Games-related projects.

Reddy said the DMRC is planning to increase the number of trains on its corridors in the national capital owing to ever-increasing rush of passengers.

The Minister also said the Delhi Metro will introduce six-coach trains on its network from November to tackle the rush.

Due to some unavoidable reasons,the introduction of six-coach trains are being delayed and I am told that it will be done by November, Reddy said.

On delays and technical glitches on Metro trains in Delhi,he said let us not exaggerate small things as they are inevitable in transport systems.

Asked whether there were plans to build Monorail system in Delhi,he replied in the negative and said efforts were being made to cover more parts of Delhi under Metro in the third phase.

About Kochi Metro rail,Reddy said the proposal is with the Finance Ministry for clearance.

He also said the only criteria for the Urban Development Ministry to grant permission for Metro network to other cities was financial viability,without which there is no point in constructing the new age transport system.

The Minister also urged states and other authorities to concentrate on building public transport in the country.