Nitin Killawala Reply: COST OF METRO RAIL

Media Report: Times of India, DNA& HT - 18th Sept, 2010

COST OF METRO RAIL

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Metro-protesters-to-march-in-2-groups/articleshow/6575906.cms

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_despite-complaints-by-residents-metro-plan-will-go-ahead-unchanged_1439542

Reply to Media

There is no denying that the Metro Rail Projects are the most expensive mode of transport infrastructure, whether Elevated or Underground, in any part of the world. We are not questioning the validity of the project at this stage but accepting the construction of Metro Rail in  Mumbai.

However, Metro Rail Projects are not profit making ventures. Such projects from cost point of view are a fate accompli.  When you fight a war, is there any financial parameters to invade or defend an enemy ? Or in a natural calamity there cannot be cost as a focal point to restore the normalcy. What is important is appropriation of funds and finance resources. MMRDA has neither accountability nor any serious concerns about the budget or the cost.

Mr. Ratnakar Gaikwad as reported in the media today, 32 kms. of Elevated Metro for CBM route should cost Rs. 6,400 crores (@ Rs. 200 crores per km.) whereas Underground Metro according to him is three times costlier i.e. around Rs. 20,000 crores. Reliance  Infra has already committed to spend Rs. 11,000 crores for the same route while  signing of the contract in August 2009.

As reported, the  additional cost of Rs. 56000 cores as published in the media today is misleading.  For whatever reasons if the cost is three times then government should construct 30% of underground metro which can be expanded gradually.

Metro is not like buying a 1BKH apartment, because you cannot afford 2BHK apartment. Metro Rails are designed for atleast a 100 years with the best technologies and integrated with other mode of transport.

Public transport is the State’s responsibility to provide quick and comfortable mobility to citizens. The cost of investment is not for profiteering but for the cost benefit of several generations.

Moreover, Mr. Gaikwad states that he doesn’t find space for switch-over ramps (about ½ km. stretch at either ends) for Underground Metro which we as citizens do not accept. But the government has access of destroying over 100 km. of our developed roads and disrupt the entire city, which is irreversible.

Therefore the only option is  Underground Metro Rail.

Nitin Killawala : Architect