The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has formulated plans to speed up Ghaziabad Metro project with old funding pattern. GDA Vice-Chairperson Kanchan Verma told The Pioneer that she has presented GDA status report to the Government and no project would be allowed to suffer for want of funds”.
“Metro and elevated road are our two prestigious projects and these projects would be completed within the time frame. These projects would enhance the image of Ghaziabad on the world map. Connecting UP Gate with Raj Nagar Extension would attract home buyers in this hub. There are over 20,000 homes that are almost ready to move in. The office goers can commute to their offices in any part of Delhi and Noida from here. It would be my area of focus to complete these projects”, she said.
“Once metro project from Dilshad Garden to New Bus Stand is completed, Delhi University (DU) would be only 15 minutes from this city. This would go a long way in helping the boys and girls of Ghaziabad to compete with Delhi girls and boys in DU examinations. The DU would be the next destination of the young generation of Ghaziabad. This project will soon be a reality,” Verma added.
GDA’s second priority is to complete the elevated road projects from UP Gate to Raj Nagar Extension as huge financial stakes are involved in these projects. “We have presented our case on Delhi Metro project before the Government and have conveyed that the funding pattern cleared by the State Government has not been complied with,” she said. Departments such as; UPSIDC, Avas Vikas and Municipal Corporation have not paid their share of the project. The Government is expected to approve the pending revised Detailed Project Report and that would clear the fund crunch for paying Delhi Metro bills, she added.
“Once our wheel comes on track, we would be able to overcome the financial constraints since we have sufficient properties at our disposal. According to a rough estimate we have constructed properties for sale worth over Rs2,200 crore in Koyal Enclave and in Madhuban Bapudham. We can generate Rs150 to Rs200 crore by selling our properties to weaker sections as survey report is reaching to us by District Urban Development Agency (DUDA) and other agencies. We have to speed up the undergoing projects of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and elevated road connecting Raj Nagar Extension to UP gate” she added.