PM to review Namma Metro through video conferencing today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take stock of the Bangalore Metro Rail project, via video conference, on Wednesday afternoon.

 In a new initiative to keep track of centrally sponsored schemes, Modi has decided to host a video conferencing session with chief secretaries across the country. The video conferencing will be conducted every fourth Wednesday of the month. It will happen along with the launch of portal Pragati, a public grievances web-interface.

This month, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has directed Karnataka to upload the details pertaining to Bangalore Metro Rail project and construction of toilets in schools.

According to sources, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has been asked to provide reasons for the delay in completion of the project. It is said that four prominent reasons are being cited by BMRCL, which include fund crunch of contractors and litigations.
BMRCL is expected to give a status update on Phase I, stating that only 17 km of rail and 16 functional stations have been completed. BMRCL is likely to suggest that Phase I will be completed by December 2015.

The State is expected to prepare a brief on the delay in construction of new school toilets and renovation of dysfunctional toilets. Subsequent to the Swacch Bharath Abhiyaan, the construction and renovation of toilets have occupied centrestage.

It is said that the Centre has cited delays in construction of 2.3 lakh new toilets and in the renovation of 1.6 lakh toilets.