How far women are safe in public transportation in India?

Priyanka Sahu
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How far women are safe in public transportation in India?
Transportation is also important part of society which facilitates people to work in their respective field without any hurdle. Urban transportation has made easy to convert our cities into smart city, smart way of life. Such movement has changed the way people live and travel. Transportation has facilitated the life of women in very large scale. Women safety has become one of the challenging issues for Transport Industries.

There is no doubt that transportation has played crucial role in human general life. As per 2011 India Census, numbers of working women in urban India who travel to work, 45 per cent of them go on foot to their workplaces, while only 27 per cent of men walk to their jobs and 22 per cent of women undertake the journey to work by bus, the corresponding figure for men is only 14 per cent.  But when it comes to women safety, the big question arises.

Does transport Industries provides women safety?

Women Safety in Public Transport_Reeta Shah_Metro Rail News July 2018
Women Safety in Public Transport by Reeta Shah published in Metro Rail News July 2018 (Vol. II, Issue 19)

At some extent all transport Industries have work for women safety. Installation of CCTV Cameras and Live GPS Tracking, Reserving First Coach for ladies in  Metro, Operating special Ladies Buses and dedicated cab fleet (She Taxi), Creation of Safety Apps (Himmat – Delhi Police), Separated sections for women in the buses and reserved seats, Pink buses by Up government, separate coach for women and men in all RTC buses in Andhra Pradesh.

According to National Crime Records Bureau of 2011, in every 51 minutes, a woman faces harassment or assault in India’s public spaces, Staggering numbers of reported and unreported cases of violence and harassment make transportation difficult and dangerous for women and girls, especially after dark.

We are living in such era where women have achieved highest level of success; even we can say that their achievement has been at larger scale than man. Then why women are not safe in such developing era?

To read more articles on challenges and solutions in urban public transport please subscribe Metro Rail News Magazine.

Pune Metro | Pune Municipal Corporation approved two new routes

Richa Bhateja
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Pune Metro | Pune Municipal Corporation approved two new routes

Pune: Pune is ready to introduce two new routes for metro commuters. As Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has approved the preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for two new routes under Pune Metro Rail Project. The demand was put up by the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Mr. Sunil Tingre.

After the approval by the City Development Committee, the proposal is forwarded to the standing committee. And the good news is that the standing committee has given its nod to the proposal.

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha-Metro) is asked to prepare the DPR for the project. Pune Municipal Corporation needs to see deeply in the project as the new route will connect Airport as well as need to think of the Hyperloop project or you can say trial track project.

“Work on the Vanaz-Ramwadi route is on and the area is growing heavily populated. There are a lot of IT companies coming up there, too. Considering this, we felt that the route should be given extensions on these two patches. Accordingly, we have decided to ask the Maha-Metro authorities to prepare the DPR, since they are already doing the work for the remaining patch. After the budget estimate and DPR is in place, further discussions will take place.” Chairman of standing committee Yogesh Mulik  said

The work on Vanaz-Ramwadi route is in progress and the new routes will connect Ramwadi to Wagholi and Pune International Airport.

“A formal presentation of the Metro route was given to corporators in September 2017. During the meeting, I had demanded that this route should further be connected to the airport and Wagholi, considering the traffic. The proposal has been approved by the standing committee and I am sure the process will be completed soon.” Tingre said

“Work on the Vanaz-Ramwadi route is on and the area is growing heavily populated. There are a lot of IT companies coming up there, too. Considering this, we felt that the route should be given extensions on these two patches. Accordingly, we have decided to ask the Maha-Metro authorities to prepare the DPR, since they are already doing the work for the remaining patch. After the budget estimate and DPR is in place, further discussions will take place.” Chairman of standing committee Yogesh Mulik said.

Expert committee gives consent to findings of SIA study at Sreekaryam

Darshana Shukla
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Expert committee gives consent to findings of SIA study at Sreekaryam

Thiruvananthapuram: The proposed light metro project will now have a flyover at Sreekaryam. This is based on the findings of Social Impact Assessment study carried out to ascertain the need for the flyover. The state government has received necessary sanction for acquiring 1.343 hectares of land for the said project.

The flyover is one of the aspects of proposed Light Metro project. In order to evaluate the need for the project a seven-member expert team was formed. The panel was headed by former Professor of Sociology, University of Kerala, P.K. Bhaskaran Nair with the primary task of preparing Social Impact Assessment (SIA).

SIA was done by Centre for Advanced Research in Health and Human Behaviour (CARB). After public hearing on March 10 the report was handed over to district administration.

The panel has given its nod to the findings of the SIA study which states that flyover is needed to resolve traffic congestion issues at the Sreekaryam junction. Further the committee has observed that a four-lane road too will not help in easing traffic situation at the location.

The report added that the land requirement is minimal and there is no other alternative to the land that has been identified for the flyover.

The expert panel however has stressed for the need to have minimal impact on people during land acquisition. They have asked authorities to have a good rehabilitation plan for those who will be affected. The panel has also asked to employ latest technology to reduce impact on houses and building during demolition drive.

The authorities have also been advised to relocate the market at the junction to a convenient place.

Compensation to be offered

Committee recommended that compensation and counselling be offered to those displaced at immediate basis. It has also been suggested to identify space for displaced traders and be lenient to those who have taken loans from financial agency for business.

The member of expert committee comprised of:

  • Thara Bhai, former Professor, Department of Sociology, Madurai Kamaraj University
  • Former deputy Collectors – S. Indukaladharan and S. Sambhudevan Nair
  • Councillors V.S. Lathakumari and K.S. Sheela,
  • Anand Elamon, Chief General Manager, Kerala Rapid Transit Corporation Limited

As per sources the district administration will be submitting evaluation report to the government soon.

Findings of SIA study

The SIA study is a mandatory need as per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

As per the study:

  • 27% of land belong to one owner
  • 46% under joint ownership
  • 3% fall in the ambit of a trust, religious groups or community

At the land identified for the project there are 269 buildings out of 280 that are permanent and destroying them would lead to substantial financial loss to the owners.

The physical demarcation of the land was concluded by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) that had designed the 480-m four-lane flyover.

Revenue department on the other hand has received a go-ahead from government to negotiate land purchase. Funds for the said project will come from KIIFB.

Nagpur Metro | Woman dupe of Rs 3.5 lakh on job promise

Neha Dawar
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Nagpur Metro | Woman dupe of Rs 3.5 lakh on job promise

Nagpur : Police have booked a man for duping a woman for providing job in Nagpur Metro Rail Project. He duped 3.50 lakh for providing a job to her son as the metro is providing a job to her son. As the metro work is moving forward at a fast pace. Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation Limited (NMRC) is now known as Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro) Limited. Maha metro has to face controversy that they are fleecing unemployed people in the name of providing the job.

Nagpur Metro is under construction rapid transit system that will serve Nagpur city. The project is expected to complete by the mid of 2019 and the trials likely to start soon.

As per the Police research the Prabha Bhaiyyaji Bawne of 54 years old filed complaint against Bhojraj Vinayak Dhoke he is a man of 29 years old he told the woman that he has good contact with top officials of Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation and assured her that he will take responsibility for his job.

Prabha Bhaiyyaji Bhawne is a resident of Giraj Road, the Umred police are in search for Bhojraj. He took  3.50 lakh from her last year and he neither provided job to her son and nor he returned the money.

People have to face the problem much time as people are eagerly looking for a job and they give money to the consultants to get a job or to have the good designation, they forget that they are capable enough to get a Job

If there is any recruitment company posts their recruitment notices on their respective website. Some consultant fools people by doing fake promises as they won’t provide job and just fleece people. People should directly go to offices in case having any query about the recruitment or not give any money to any third person without having proper information.

He found criminal as per Sections 420 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code against him.

Hyperloop one | Passenger trial track expected to be ready in next year

Richa Bhateja
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Hyperloop one | Passenger trial track expected to be ready in next year

Pune: The first phase of the 15-km Hyperloop one track in Pune, from Balewadi to Gahunje will serve as the trial track for passenger moment test.

Kiran Gitte, the commissioner of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), said: “a transactional advisor will be appointed within a fortnight and the track will be appointed within a fortnight and the track will be ready by next year.”

The advisor company would need to have prior experience in handline high-speed transport, as the PMRDA itself does not have the adequate know-how on the subject. The chosen firm have the adequate know-how on the subject. The chosen firm would be required help with project structuring, finances as well as engaging in other parameters. It must also work closely with the Virgin Hyperloop team.

The complete trial track project will be funded by Virgin Hyperloop One which will be around Rs 3,000 crore. PMRDA will provide land and they have two available options. one along the Pune-Mumbai Expressway and the other along the old Pune-Mumbai highway.

Gitte said “The demonstration track will be constructed in such a way that it eventually becomes part of the final Hyperloop route”

According to the studies of PMRDA more than 3 lakh commuters and 1.10 lakh vehicles — including 80,000 buses and 6,000 cars between Mumbai and Pune.

The futuristic Hyperloop technology promises to reduce the travel time to just 25 minutes for the busy cities.

Gitte said “Passenger trials will have to be conducted here for the first phase of the Pune-Mumbai hyperloop route,”

The report for the trial run is prepared by PMRDA and Hyperloop One and it will be submitted by next month. And the estimate for trail track is Rs 3,000 crore.

PMRDA and Hyperloop One are working together to finalize the route.

Gitte said “The demonstration track will be constructed in such a way that it eventually becomes part of the final Hyperloop route”

Delhi Metro | Bhikaji Cama Place station to have a five-story office complex

Richa Bhateja
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Delhi Metro | Bhikaji Cama Place station to have a five-story office complex

New Delhi: The Bhikaji Cama Place metro station, which comes under Delhi Metro’s Pink line, will have a five-story office complex of its own. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)  is expecting this step will be big revenue generator as the station is located in one of the best locations of South Delhi and with an office plaza built above the underground station.

Soon, DMRC is expected to open the 8-km long Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus-Lajpat Nagar section. The Line will link many commercial hubs like Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, INA, Sarojini Nagar which will be another great achievement.

It was in the report that DMRC will build a five-story office-cum-commercial complex which will be spread across 2,500sq meters.

A DMRC official quoted “the area was marked for property development, considering the area and the expected footfall, the Delhi Metro has made ample provision for both surface and basement parking.” The roof of one of the entry points, which will be connected to the office complex, has also been provided with an open-air amphitheater for concerts and other similar programmes.

A DMRC official quoted “the area was marked for property development, considering the area and the expected footfall, the Delhi Metro has made ample provision for both surface and basement parking.”

As the land was available it was not difficult to build the station. Due to the presence of a flyover at ring road constructing subways to connect the metro station with Bhikaji Cama Place is a challenge.

DMRC had to build extra wide subways considering the large number of hotels, commercial complex, and offices in that particular area.

While constructing the subway using the technique of underground pushing of soil, DMRC found that the area is sandy and it may be a bit difficult.

DMRC used the cut-and-cover method though even that method proved difficult due to heavy traffic on Ring Road. The situation was managed by building a steel bridge for traffic during the time it took to construct the subway.

Developed by Delhi Development Authority, Bhikaji Cama Place is not only for luxury hotels but there are many offices as well.

The metro station will be beneficial for both commercial and residential areas such as Mohammadpur, RK Puram, Safdarjung Enclave and Netaji Nagar.

Indore Metro | MPMRCL invites bids for construction of elevated viaduct for Phase 1

Neha Dawar
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Indore Metro | MPMRCL invites bids for construction of elevated viaduct for Phase 1

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Co. Ltd (MPMRCL) invites E-tenders from reputed and experienced contractors for “Design and construction of Elevated viaduct of length 5.290 km between ISBT/MR10 Flyover and Mumtaj Bag Colony (excluding stations)” for Indore Metro Rail Project, Phase-1.

As per information given by Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Co Limited, the key details of the tender notice is as under:-

  • Tender Notice No.: MPMRCL/Indore Metro/5509/2018/Package-02A/01 Dated 16.07.2018
  • Work Description: Design and Construction of Elevated Viaduct of Length 5.290 Kms between ISBT/MR10 Flyover and Mumtaj Bag Colony (excluding stations) for Indore Metro Rail Project, Phase-1.
  • Approx. Cost of Work: INR 257 crores
  • Completion period: within 27 months
  • Tender Security Money (EMD): 2.57 crores
  • Tender documents can be purchased from 24.07.2018 to 16.08.2018
  • Tender document cost: INR 50,000.00
  • Last date for submission of queries, if any: 07.08.2018
  • Pre-bid Meeting: 16.08.2018 at 11.00am
  • Location of Pre-bid meeting: Conference Hall, Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Co Limited, Palika Bhawan, Near 6 No. Bus Stop, Shivaji Nagar, Bhopal-462016, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Last date of submission of Tender documents (Online): 06.09.2018 upto 18.00pm
  • Last date of submission of Tender documents (Print): 07.09.2018 upto 15.30pm
  • Date and Time for opening of Tender: 07.09.2018 at 16.30pm

Tender documents can only be obtained online after registration of tenderers on the e-tendering portal of Govt. of M.P. For further information and any assistance, tenderers are advised to contact e-tender Helpdesk as per the details given below:-
E-mail ID: eproc_helpdesk@mpsedc.com, eproc.esc@gmail.com or at
Toll free No.: 18002588684

Authority for purchase of tender documents, seeking clarifications and submission of
completed tender documents:-

The Managing Director,
Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Co Limited,
Palika Bhawan, Near 6 No. Bus Stop,
Shivaji Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh – 462016
Phone No: 0755-2555004
Email: metrorail@mpurban.gov.in
http://mpmetrorail.com

Any Clarification/Corrigendum addendum to the tender documents will be uploaded on the official-Portal only, without any obligation of press notification.

For more details like eligibility, experience, project details and other criteria please submit your queries to editor@metrorailnews.in

Mumbai Monorail is expected to start by the year end

Richa Bhateja
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Mumbai Monorail is expected to start by the year end

Mumbai: Last year the monorail services from Chembur-Wadala was shut but now it’s expected to start by the end of this year. The monorail will provide the Mumbai citizens an ease and one more option to commute it’s the second phase from Wadala to Mahalaxmi it’s the most awaited project information continue to remain work in progress.

Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) procured 10 trains so far, only four to five rakes were in use till the entire operation was stopped following a fire in November 2017.

An official said “Shortage of trains and spare parts is the biggest stumbling block for MMRDA to expand the route”

Angry commuters who change trains to reach their workplace in Lower Parel said they have been waiting years for the second phase of Monorail as the elevated mode of transport doesn’t get affected by flooding during monsoon. One of the regular commuter said, “Mere starting of Phase 1 won’t help me as I will still have to change trains.”

Mumbai mononrail stoped because of fire
Mumbai monorail stopped because of fire

One of the regular commuter said, “Mere starting of Phase 1 won’t help me as I will still have to change trains.”

Since monorail introduction in 2014, in the country, the Monorail has seen several setbacks, monorail caught by fire and the most recent being sending the entire staff on leave without pay since April.

employees suffering and requesting to look in the monorail matter
employees suffering and requesting to look in the monorail matter

According to an MMRDA official, they have asked maintenance contractor Larsen & Toubro and Scomi Engineering and operators to restart operations. “They have been told to submit a plan based on which we will release some payment so that the staff can pay.”

The official said MMRDA and LTSE have decided to start Phase 1 operations soon by October 2018. “Scomi has also promised to deliver the balance five rakes it is yet to manufacture. Also, all trains will be refurbished by February 2019.”

Anupam Kher travels in Mumbai Metro, gets mix response from riders

Darshana Shukla
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Anupam Kher travels in Mumbai Metro, gets mix response from riders

Mumbai: Sometime back Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor traveled in Mumbai Metro. His presence at the metro station did surprise commuters. Now it is actor-author Anupam Kher who decided to take the metro to evade the traffic.

Kher is currently busy shooting for his upcoming film ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ where he will be portraying former PM Manmohan Singh. The film is directed by Vijay Gutte, a young and upcoming talent in the film industry.

He traveled in Mumbai Metro and also captured moments from the train. Here is his tweet on his experience:

Commuters and people following Anupam Kher on Twitter were all praise for the actor. Here is what they tweeted:

There are those who had objected to Kher taking video inside the metro train which is prohibited:

Here is what people Tweeted:

It indeed is nice to see celebrities leaving their luxury cars and taking to metro for travel. This will encourage lot many to use public transport and leave their private vehicles at home. We hope other celebrities take inspiration from Boney Kapoor and Anupam Kher.

Commuters too feel happy to see popular names from Bollywood taking metro ride just like them. We will wait to see who takes the metro next.

State Govt, Maha Metro and Indian Rly signs MoU to run shuttle metro trains

Richa Bhateja
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State Govt, Maha Metro and Indian Rly signs MoU to run shuttle metro trains

Nagpur: The Maharashtra government, MahaMetro and the Indian Railways on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  at Suresh Bhat Hall. Nagpur and adjourning areas have achieved another important milestone.

The event was attended by State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, Cabinet Minister Nitin Gadkari and other dignitaries.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal was praising the idea of connecting the cities with Nagpur through metro, said the Indian Railways will replicate the model in other parts of the country if it succeeds in the state.

Fadnavis said, “the new corridor will provide quicker transport of both goods and passengers across the state.”

Nitin Gadkari, addressing the event, said “the new service will benefit the people by lowering the transportation cost and also reduce pollution and risks of accidents.”

Nitin Gadkari, addressing the event, said “the new service will benefit the people by lowering the transportation cost and also reduce pollution and risks of accidents.”

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who was present during the signing of the MoU, accepted a suggestion put forth by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavisto develop a parallel high-speed railway corridor to the Samruddhi Mahamarg between Nagpur and Mumbai.

The CM also suggested that the proposed high-speed railway corridor can be directly connected to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) for quicker freight transport.

The project would be first of its kind in the nation High speed fully air-conditioned coaches will run under the project. All formalities like timings, number of trips, revenue sharing pattern, special stations etc.

Nagpur-Mumbai high-speed rail project to reduce travel time

Darshana Shukla
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Nagpur-Mumbai high-speed rail project to reduce travel time

Mumbai: If things go as planned then commuters will be able to travel from Mumbai to Nagpur in 5 hours. As per reports the government plans to build Nagpur-Mumbai High-speed rail network. This news comes as a big relief for many who frequently travel between these two cities.

China High Speed Rail Network
High Speed Rail

Currently it takes over 14 hours to travel from Mumbai to Nagpur. With high-speed rail project the time taken to travel will come down to only 5 hours. As per official sources from ministry of railways, they are planning to connect Nagpur -Mumbai Super Expressway (Samriddhi Mahamarg) to a railway track connecting Nagpur to Mumbai.

To start the process for building Mass Rapid Transit System in Nagpur, a MoU has been signed between MahaMetro and Indian Railways. The agreement is for connecting railway line with that of metro coaches.

Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Water Resources, Nitin Gadkari, commuicated  that the air-conditioned metro coaches plying on broad gauge railway lines will run at a speed of 100 km per hour. This speed is lot more than a usual passenger train.

Gadkari also shared that the high-speed rail project will also be bringing cities like Wardha and Bhandara nearer to Nagpur. This move will also aid in transforming these selected locations into satellite cities.

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited, known as MahaMetro is a jointly owned company of the Maharashtra and central government. Both the parties are equal partners. For the 700km long Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway, an estimated sum of Rs 46,000 crores will be spent by MahaMetro.

Railway ministry is also mulling to build high-speed rapid transit project in National Capital Region (NCR). This project will be covering cities like Nodia, Meerut, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Delhi.

Apparently, a Rapid Rail service is expected to commence from shortly from Delhi to Panipat in Haryana. Out of the 111 km distance to be covered by it, 2 km will be underground and 109 km will be elevated. Similarly, the same high-speed train service will be made operational in near future connecting Delhi and Meerut.

Mumbai Metro | MMOPL seeks more riders, seeks collaboration with private firms

Neha Dawar
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Mumbai Metro | MMOPL seeks more riders, seeks collaboration with private firms

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL) is the first to operate metro corridor Versova- Andheri- Ghatkopar. To have more people to use Public transport, MMOPL wants to collaborate with companies so as to appeal for employees to commute to Metro 1. For this, they have issued the bulk pass for the companies who are convinced by this idea.

MMOPL is a joint venture company which is owned by RATP Dev Transdev Asia and Reliance Infrastructure. It stands in the eighth highest passenger density of any metro line in the world.  It carries 3.40 lakh commuters and on other days it carries 4 lakh passengers.

MMOPL has recently corded with three companies and has issued about 200 bulk passes and have pitched around 430 companies and 1000 housing society so as to tell the benefits of metro and how easily people can travel without any traffic fuss.

Over a past few years, office space users increased in the areas of Seepz, Andheri link road, MIIDC, Naka, Marol etc.

Currently, Metro line 1 has to tackle more passengers as there is an increase in ridership so there is a need for more coaches. Metro line 1 has four coaches in each train so commuters have demanded to increase the number of coaches.

 MMOPL Spokesperson’s said, “The sales team keeps in regular contact with HR/Admin heads of various corporate offices around the alignment and provides customized service”

MMOPL Spokesperson’s said, “The sales team keeps in regular contact with HR/Admin heads of various corporate offices around the alignment and provides customized service”.

The spokesperson also stated that Metro 1 team regularly visits the housing societies and added that “Posters with important information regarding Metro such as first train, last train, call center number, etc are being put upon society notice boards. This helps in keeping Mumbai Metro on top of the mind of society residents,”.

As in the increase in the ridership of Metro MMOPL is planning to buy new coaches. A week ago, they also increased the number of trips from 386 trips daily to 382 trips daily to carry 6000 commuters during peak hours.

Pod taxi start again, Critics says it’s rikshaw in air

Kanika Verma
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Pod taxi start again, Critics says it’s rikshaw in air

Bangaluru: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) proposed pod taxi as one of the commuting options for citizens. The BBMP earlier abandoned the project because of the assembly elections for not being in the controversy but now it has started talking about it again.

Pod taxi is that mode of transport which resembles cable car. It accommodates four to six people and is also driverless and runs on electricity. Critics say it’s rickshaw in the air.

The BBMP officials say that the proposal is approved by the Council, will be sent to the government for further approval. The project costs ₹1,500 crore but the BBMP does not have to invest as it is being proposed under the PPP model. We have already floated the tender and work would be awarded after the government approves it.

People still say that this will not help in reducing congestion in the large metropolis like in Bengaluru. They also say that it might clash in Namma metro phase 3 as it might take the same alignment.

The BBMP last week took up the council for the pod taxi. It had to be postponed as the corporates needed more details.

Mayor R Sampath Rah told Media, As requested by the council members, I have asked officers to prepare for a detailed presentation. We will take up the project after arriving at a consensus among the corporators.

Land row stalls Bullet Train project, Japan stops funding to project

Darshana Shukla
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Land row stalls Bullet Train project, Japan stops funding to project

Ahmedabad: The ongoing land row has become a major road block for the ambitious Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train. As per sources Japan has not released second phase of funds with news on land acquisition issues doing rounds.

The protest is causing a major hurdle and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has not released latest installment. JICA is funding agency and it has stopped payments with no evident progress in resolving land acquisition controversy.

According to sources in Gujarat government, JICA’s funds for last quarter have not been disbursed.

The source, a senior state official shared on grounds of anonymity that as per the payment agreement funds will flow if work is going as per plans. With issues arising in Gujarat and Maharashtra over land, things have reached stalemate.  The first instalment of Rs 125 crore was made during Japan’s Prime Minister visit to Gujarat in September last year.

The official also added that next instalment will be made when the land acquisition issue will be resolved in India. Only when some level of progress is achieved, the funding agency will release the funds.

According to the agreement, JICA has agreed to offer approximately Rs 80,000 for the country’s High Seep Rail Network. The projected cost of the entire project comes to around 1 lakh crore.

The funding agency will be giving the amount in installments in the form of soft loans for 15 years. JICA will release the funds in the form of installments.

Maharashtra and Gujarat government will jointly pay Rs.

20,000 crore and that too in installments. The special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the project was formed with the equity of Rs. 500 crore in previous September only.

Gujarat Dr JN Singh who coordinates with various agencies on behalf of Gujarat government has said that the government is hardly aware about cash flow issue. Singh also added JICA funding is not part of their preview and that funding will come as with each level of project implementation.

Gujarat government on the other hand is working hard to work out amicable solution with farmers. Kaushik Patel, revenue minister also shares the Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has asked that farmers should not be face injustice during the land acquisition process.

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