Guwahati: The Assam Government on Wednesday gave the green light for implementation of the state government’s ambitious Guwahati metro rail project.
Transport Minister Chandramohan Patowary said, “To ease the growing traffic congestion in Guwahati, the cabinet has approved the implementation of the metro rail project. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority has been submitted.”
However, a group of activist opposed for expansion of metro rail project to Boko in Kamrup (rural) district). They raised slogans against the Guwahati metro expansion to Rabha Hasong area and also against State Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary. Mantu Kumar Rabha, Kamrup district Rabha Students’ Union secretary took initiative of the rally. Kamrup district Rabha Students’ Union president Hiteswar Rabha, vice-president Ajit Rabha also took part in the protest rally.
The president of Kamrup district Rabha Students’ Union, Hiteswar Rabha said, “Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary wants to expand the Guwahati metro to Rabha Hasong area but we oppose this plan. Earlier on two occasions we had protested against the plan and today also we protest against the expansion plan. We will continue protesting till the plan is scraped.”
On 29 February 2016, former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had laid the foundation stone of the project, which was proposed to be implemented by the Special Purpose Vehicle — Guwahati Metro Rail Corporation Limited.
The total cost of the project was estimated to be Rs 18,020 crore and it was supposed to be implemented in different phases across the city.
