DMK never delayed metro project: MK Stalin

Chennai: Punching holes in chief minister Edappadi K. Palanisami's charge that the DMK delayed the metro rail project in the city, the Opposition's working president M. K. Stalin on Monday alleged that attempts were being made to “overshadow” the role of his father and former chief minister M. Karunanidhi in initiating the “dream project.”

In a statement, Mr Stalin spoke in detail about how the project was conceived, approved and initiated by the DMK government led by his father M. Karunanidhi during 2006-2011 when the party was in power. The response came to remarks by Mr Palanisami at the inauguration of the first underground corridor from Koyambedu to Nehru Park that the DMK was responsible for the delay.

“I am deeply shocked and amused by the words of the chief minister. Lies are constantly being peddled with the motive of overshadowing the role of Kalaignar Karunanidhi in initiating his dream project for the city of Chennai,” Mr Stalin said.
Noting that the decision on the Chennai metro rail project was taken in 2007 when Mr Karunanidhi was the chief minister, the DMK government went forward with the project proposal of Rs 14,600 crore.

“During that time, I personally oversaw the project and I would like to note that the up and running line from Alandur to Koyambedu and the underground line from Thirumangalam to Nehru Park is the first leg of success for the plan initiated by the DMK government,” the Opposition Leader said.

As Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Stalin said he had visited Tokyo to secure funds from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Subsequently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs of the UPA government had approved the project in January 2009 and the DMK government the next month appointed a 'general consultant'.