The construction work at Delhi Metro extension project from Dilshad Garden to New Bus Stand in Ghaziabad has gained momentum and is set to be completed before December 2017.
The good news comes after much hue and cry from different corners over funding issue of this extension line when the State Principal Secretary (Housing) himself doubted the Cabinet decision. On his last visit to Ghaziabad, he spoke to mediapersons whether project would be successful. But the work has now gained the momentum.
The work on eight Metro stations has started. The work on Rajbagh, Shaheed Nagar, Rajendra Nagar Shyam Park Extension is going on full swing. The work on Mohan Nagar and New Bus Stand stations would be started before November 15, 2015. The work on 60 per cent pillars has been completed so far. The slabs are being laid on the pillars from Dilshad Garden side.
Sadakant, the Principal Secretary, who addressed the Press conference after chairing the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) board meeting, said the financial crunch is forcing GDA to review the situation again.
“The work on the extension line is going on full swing and we hope to complete the project within a set time frame. The construction agencies are thorough professional. They understand that once State Cabinet has approved the funding pattern and the memorandum of understanding, no one can violate the terms and conditions. So the DMRC work is not being affected by any unwarranted murmuring,” said GDA Officer on Special Duty DP Singh.
Earlier, the GDA had signed MoU with DMRC in which DPR indicated over one lakh footfall per day on Dilshad Garden-New Bus Stand 9.41-kilometre stretch with eight stations — New Bus Stand, Raj Nagar Extension, Arthala, Mohan Nagar, Shyam Park, Rajendra Nagar, Raj Bagh and Shaheed Nagar. But when the project is expected to be operational in 2017, the footfall is ought to be increased to 1,28,000 per day.
The MoU stated that DMRC will extend Delhi Metro Corridor into Ghaziabad territory for a length of about 9.41 kilometre terminating it at New Bus Stand, Ghaziabad at a total cost of Rs1,770 crore which includes Rs30 crore as the cost of land and the cost of rolling stock of Rs256 crore.