Maharashtra govt moots new fund model for Metro projects

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today indicated that a new funding model will be used for the proposed metro projects across the state.

Chavan's announcement, in the Legislative Council, came following the Centre turning down the state government's proposal for relaxing norms for providing funds to Metro projects under viability gap funding.

Replying to a query by Congress MLC Mohan Joshi regarding the Pune metro, Chavan announced that Mumbai's first Metro line -- Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor-- would be rolled out within four months.

An alternate funding model was being pursued for future Metro projects, Chavan said.

Joshi sought to know the status of the first phase of the Metro rail project for Pune.

Minister of State for Urban Development Bhaskar Jadhav said the Rs 7984 crore Swargate-Pimpri Chinchwad-Kothrud-Ramwadi project would be brought before the state cabinet for approval this month.

Due to rapid urbanisation in the state, the government had plans to take up Metro projects in all cities, Chavan said.