PATNA (Metro Rail News): On Tuesday, the state cabinet approved the appointment of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) as a consultant for the ambitious Patna metro rail project.
According to the proposal moved by the urban development and housing department, the DMRC will be paid a consultation fee of Rs 482.9 crore. “Talks were going on with DMRC and the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited for the execution of the Patna project. But we were more inclined towards DMRC as it has a good track record in timely execution of metro projects.
Besides, their consultation fee was comparatively lower. Hence, it was decided to hand over the project to DMRC and a final nod was given by the state cabinet on Tuesday,” a senior UDHD official said.
Sources said the DMRC is also executing metro rail projects in Noida, Lucknow, and Gurgaon among others. Elaborating on the steps to be taken following the cabinet nod, the UDHD official said: “A memorandum of understanding will be signed between the DMRC and the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRCL).
DMRC is likely to set up its office in Patna within a fortnight, followed by a survey of the right of way and land acquisition requirements on the two earmarked corridors for the project.” The two corridors identified in the detailed project report for the metro project, include 14.45km north-south corridor (proposed ISBT- Rajendra Nagar Terminal- Ashok Rajpath- Gandhi Maidan- Dak Bungalow Crossing- Patna Junction) and 16.95km east-west corridor (Danapur cantonment-Saguna Mor- Raja BazarJD Women’s College- Hartali Mor- Income Tax Rounabout- Dak Bungalow crossing- Patna Junction- CNLUMithapur).
The foundation for the metro project was laid by PM Narendra Modi through remote control from Mokama on February 17, this year. The project is to be executed utilizing an estimated outlay of Rs 13,365.8 crore in a targeted timeframe of five years.
“The Patna metro rail project is targeted to be completed by 2024. Following the conclusion of initial surveys, the DMRC will commence the process of selection of constrictor for construction works,” the UDHD official said.
The Centre, as well as state governments, will contribute 20% each of the project cost, while the remaining 60% of the funds would be met by taking financial aid. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will contribute 60%.
