Metro rail project for Ahmedabad put on fast-track

"We have conducted site surveys with the stakeholders twice for the metro. The project has been put on fast-track and now we are weighing options for its launch," Additional Chief Secretary, Ports and Transport Development B K Sinha told PTI.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) recently submitted its revalidated detailed project report (DPR) on the alignment of metro network to the Gujarat government.

DMRC has recommended mostly an elevated route for the first phase of metro, since there are land issues, barring the stretch from Nehru bridge to Ahmedabad junction which will be underground, sources said.

Also, infrastructure major Larsen and Toubro (L&T) has evinced interest in the multi-crore project. "L&T has submitted a proposal to the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB) expressing interest for undertaking the metro project," a GIDB official said.

The company signed an agreement with the Gujarat government to invest Rs 5,000 crore in mono rail project for old Ahmedabad city area, on PPP model, at the recently concluded Vibrant Gujarat Summit-2011.

However, on being contacted, spokesperson for L&T refused to divulge any information.