Media Report
“Altered Metro Routes will reduce project costs” – HT dtd. 15th September 2010
“MMRDA hopeful of more central funds for Mumbai Metro” – DNA 15th September 2010
Reply to Media
MMRDA and media always knew that Metro projects are highly capital intensive. That is one of the reasons to implement such infrastructure projects where maximum finance jugglery is possible yet unnoticeable.
Eliminating a miniscule 3.5 kms. route from about 150 kms. route is nothing more than the cosmetic changes which is part and parcel of any such infrastructure projects.
Nowhere in the world Metro projects are profitable – it is a state’s responsibility to provide safe and comfortable mobility to commuters. Even in Delhi and Kolkata, metro projects are hugely subsidized by respective state governments.
For some strange reasons Metros in Mumbai is therefore proposed on PPP model.
Our concern is this model is deliberate attempt for bankruptcy and we shall have to pay very heavy price for several generations.
Therefore we have to be careful that the basic interest of cost effective public transport shall not remain unrealized or compromised.
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