THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and works minister V. K. Ebrahimkunju will hold talks with Union urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu on Oct. 16 on the proposed light metros.
Officials are hopeful of a 40-percent viability gap funding, equally shared by the Centre and the state, while the remaining 60 percent would be mobilised through debts.
A top official told DC that since the BJP’s expectations, especially in the state capital, are high, chances of the Rs 6,728-crore getting cleared at the crucial meeting is also high. Both the CM and the Central government can equally claim its credit.
The Centre is giving top priority to mass rapid transit systems, but only for one project in a state. With centrally-supported Kochi Metro rail project is in progress, it is doubtful for another metro to get its nod.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation principal advisor E. Sreedharan and PWD secretary A. P. M. Mohammed Hanish are also accompanying them. Mr Ebrahimkunju said the meeting with Mr Naidu was crucial.
“This is the first meeting with Mr Naidu on the light metro,” he told DC. “We are yet to decide whether it is nationalised banks or other external funding agencies which would extend loans.”
Kerala Rapid Transit Corporation Ltd (KRTCL) had placed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s (DMRC) proposal to be the interim consultants before the state government for approval.
Also, administrative sanction and detailed project report (DPR) have also been approved by the state government.
