New Delhi: Union urban development minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday said that keeping in view the growing popularity of and demand for Metro Rail services, the Centre is considering reducing the population norm for financing metro rail projects.
He said at present, the Central government is financing Metro Projects in towns or cities with a population of 20 lakh and above, and this norm is proposed to be reduced to 10 lakh. He also emphasised the need for ‘smart infrastructure’ in urban areas after dedicating to the nation the 500 MWp (megawatt peak) Solar Power Plant of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) here in the presence of Union minister for power and new and renewal energy Piyush Goyal.
Mr Naidu further said that the National Urban Transport Policy, 2006 is under review keeping in view the imperative need for improving public transport services in urban areas. Underlining the need for ensuring ‘energy security’ through reduced dependence on oil imports, both the ministers referred to the need to scale up renewable energy use.
