Ngp Metros Phase-II proposal at PMO approval likely soon Work on affixing wing to double decker fly-over that is part of the ambitious four layered transport scheme of Maha Metro on Gaddigodam stretch has resumed after a brief hiatus. By Sagar Mohod : In a significant development on infrastructure front for city the mega project second phase of Nagpur Metro costing about Rs 6708 crore is put up to Prime Ministers Office (PMO) for approval. A few days back Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MOHUA) after vetting the proposal of Maharashtra Government dispatched the same for advanced scrutiny to PMO. The step marks an important stage in approval process of major infrastructure projects in the country as they are directly monitored by PMO. Informed sources said once the proposal reaches PMO the step is considered quite important. This is so as once it receives assent from PMO then rest of the process is fast tracked for approval that is quite crucial to keep momentum going on in mega projects. The second phase of Nagpur Metro is very ambitious as it would expand reach of mass rapid transport system (MRTS) in four corners of the city and boost the connectivity with city. Metro would provide a safer and faster transport link for the residential colonies of in semi-urban areas with city. At PMO a detailed scrutiny of all major projects is done and under National Democratic Front (NDA) Government there is major focus on infrastructure development to channelise the Indian economy. Nagpur being important geographic location of country the thrust is on innovative projects aimed at propelling the city into top 10 cities of the country. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari who represents Nagpur in the Lok Sabha has been pushing Nagpur Metro project as it will help boost the realty sector and more importantly connect the industrial townships that are located on outskirts of city. The seamless connectivity between city and outskirts and particularly industrial areas of MIHAN Butibori Uppalwadi can in future provide stimulus to attractive big ticket investment in Nagpur. As per the process once the infrastructure project is approved from PMO the proposal goes to Finance Ministry where Public Investment Board (PIB) that undertakes another round of scrutiny. However at PMO itself since all the aspects relating to project are examined in minute details as to loan component investment potential investment partners and others relevant aspects. Once PMO provides assent to any big ticket public project its matter of time before rest of the pieces in the puzzle falls in place said people familiar with the process. So PMO approval ensures automatic green light from PIB it is an important arm of the Finance Ministry. The Finance Minister then moves a cabinet note and same is then discussed at Union Cabinet that is the final authority on approval of infrastructure projects. Already the project has received clearance from MOHUA) Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) Ministry of Finance and other concerned ministries. The total length of Nagpur Metros Phase-II is 43.8 km as against 38.21 km of Phase-I that is nearing completion. The project cost of Phase-II would be shared equally by Central and State Government respectively apart from obtaining loans from foreign lending agencies. After completion of Phase-II the total operational length of Nagpur Metro will be 82 km and targeted completion is slated for year 2026. The second phase of Nagpur Metro envisages expansion in four corridors taking off from last stations of Phase I and this include Khapri-MIHAN-Butibori MIDC-18.5 km Automotive Square-Kanhan-13 km Prajapati Nagar-Kapsi-5.5 km Lokmanya Nagar -Hingna-6.5 km. The rapid pace of urbanisation has seen newer residential colonies on all four sides of city and once Metro corridors are expanded the people residing on outskirts stands to benefit. This will also give big boost to realty sector. Nasik Metro Neo project also may get nod soon Another big ticket infrastructure project of Maharashtra Nasik Metro has also been sent to PMO for approval. The Nasik Metro Neo would be having 13 km with two elevated corridors on Gangapur to Mumbai Naka and Gangapur to Nasik Road and it project cost is Rs 2092.6 crores. These two corridors would be having 30 stations and as per Maha Metro the project should be completed by year 2025. The significant aspect of Neo is that Maha Metro aims to introduce a light metro it would be akin to tram the one that is still in operation in Kolkata but on a dedicated elevated route. This would minimise the capital cost of the project and if this succeeds then all smaller cities can have Neo Metro concept in future.

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