Dumping Metro plan in Ludhiana, Govt doles out Rs 1,250 Crores for BRTS ahead of LS polls
Punjab Government, after spending crores on preparing Detailed Project report of the proposed Ludhiana Metro project (since 2011), estimated to cost a whopping Rs 10,330 crore, has on Wednesday dumped the project and doled out much ‘cheaper and economical’ Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) for Ludhiana which will cost Rs 1,250 crore only.
The Government now plans to send this project to the Centre for getting 50 per cent funds under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). Addressing the house, Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria was forthright with his views and announced that ‘for the time being Ludhiana Metro has been kept aside and now we are seeking house’s approval for BRTS which like the Metro is aimed at solving traffic congestion in the city.’
The house has unanimously approved the project which will now be put forth in a meeting with JNNURM officials in New Delhi. Additional Commissioner, Isha Kalia said on this, “The project is on the lines of Metro only but difference is that instead of rail tracks and trains, corridors will made especially for buses.” She further added, “We have to send the project to JNNURM for their approval and getting funds from centre so an emergency meeting was called.”
The project will be carried out under the aegis of Punjab Bus Metro society (PBMS) and is expected to be completed by 2018. A fleet of 48 buses is planned to be used for the implementation of the 14.5 km first phase from Ayali Chowk to Gill village due to be completed in 2014-15.
Source: The Indian Express
Additional Commissioner, BRTS, Bus rapid transit system, Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, Isha Kalia, Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, JNNURM, Ludhiana Metro project, Mayor, PBMS, Punjab Bus Metro society, Punjab government
