The much-awaited Rs 5600 crore Kochi Metro project is expected to be cleared in a few weeks and the work can begin by April, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, has said.

Addressing media persons after visiting the DMRC work site to widen the North Rail over bridge and to build a new over bridge linking Salim Rajan Road with M. G. Road, Mr Ahluwalia expressed satisfaction over the progress of the work. The Finance Ministry officials are at present busy with Budget preparation and the Central clearance is expected in another few weeks, he said.

He pointed out that the Planning Commission was never opposed to the Kochi Metro project. Different ministries have different views. The intention is not that this project should be held up, he said.

Answering a question, he said the State Government has to decide on whether or not to go in for private participation. We can only suggest private participation, he said adding that the commission encourages private participation as a general rule. In implementing schemes, we support experimenting with private stakeholders. But this is not necessary for all projects since State Governments have a last word on choosing the mode of implementing them.

The State Government and the Union Urban Affairs Ministry had opposed private participation and suggested implementing the Kochi Metro as a Centre-State joint venture scheme (on the lines of the Chennai Metro), to prevent cost escalation and to ensure its timely completion.

Big cities such as Kochi need the metro rail to tide over traffic congestion. But it has to be integrated with other modes of transport, so that maximum number of commuters benefit from the system of mass rapid transport, he added.

>sajeevkumar@thehindu.co.in

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