Govt reviews metro rail project for city

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, May 1 � A special review meeting on the proposed metro rail project for Guwahati was held at the Chief Minister�s official residence here yesterday. The meeting discussed various aspects related to the first phase of the project including expected cost, routes, rail stations, overbridges and construction technology, said an official statement. It also discussed issues related to passenger amenities and how to make the proposed project a people-friendly initiative. RITES Ltd made a power-point presentation on various aspects related to the project during the meeting. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi stressed use of the latest technology so that the best service can be provided to commuters. He said that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) should be submitted at the earliest. The meeting decided that the DPR should be ready by October at the latest. It also gave approval for the routes selected for the first phase of the project. Besides Gogoi, the meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Jitesh Khosla, Additional Chief Secretary MGVK Bhanu, GMDA CEO Anurag Singh and other senior officials. The concept paper and terms of reference for rail-based MRTS at Guwahati was approved by the Union Ministry of Urban Development in July, 2013. The concept paper enumerated a feasibility study for 196 km of track and preparation of DPR of 65 km under Phase I of the project covering a metropolitan area of 2,205 sq km to cater to a population of 24 lakh.