The first phase of metro rail project in the two Smart Cities - Bhopal and Indore - will be completed by year 2018.
The project will be implemented in collaboration with Japan. Regarding the project, representatives of Japan's Economic, Trade and Industries Ministry, land Infrastructure, Tansport and Tourism Ministry, Japan's various companies and organisations gave presentations at Mantralaya here today. The meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anthony DeSa was also attended by Mayor Alok Sharma.
Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Company limited's MD Vivek Agrawal informed that special attention would be paid to smart design and smart implementation of the project in Bhopal and Indore which have been selected as Smart Cities. Two lines will be laid in Bhopal spread over 90 kms. Along with most dense areas of the city, entire city and satellite cities will be connected with it. Six lines are proposed for Indore metro of which circular line will be laid first of all. In both cities, maximum portion of metro project will be over-ground and minimum underground.
Metro rail will run from 5 am to 12 pm. In both cities, 30 stations each will be constructed. For parking around these stations and traffic upto other parts of city, convenient facilities will be developed. Aluminium and stainless steel will be used in construction of rails. Of this, 90 per cent materials will be recyclable.
For the project, Central and state governments will provide 20 per cent amount each. Remaining 60 per cent will be provided by way of loan. A sum of Rs 6962 crore will be spent during first phase of Bhopal and Rs 8200 crore for Indore metro project. Global level infrastructure will be constructed for project's implementation with special emphasis on sewage system, water supply, lighting arrangements and environmental conservation.
Representatives of Japan Overseas Railway System Association gave a presentation about chronological development of metro rail in Japan. Japan is pioneer in metro rail system. Japanese companies have developed inter-city express of Britain, high-speed rail in Taiwan, Delhi's Metro Rail and such major projects in Indonesia, Vietnam, Dubai etc. A presentation was also given by East Japan Railway and Japan Urban Railway.
Chief Secretary Anthony DeSa said that it would be easy to realize our cherished dream for metro rail's development through Japan's experience and expertise. DeSa gave consent to implement suggestions received regarding project's fiscal management, technical aspects and systematic development of areas around metro stations. He said that every possible effort would be made for implementation within time-limit. Principal Secretary Urban Development and Environment Malay Shrivastava and other departmental officers were also present on the occasion.