Metro Rail could be Deepavali gift to Bangaloreans: CM

Talking to reporters here, Gowda thanked the Centre and the Railways for sanctioning the safety certification to the Metro Rail, clearing the decks for the launch of the nine-km long phase I of the Rs 6,000 crore project.

The BJP-led state government has requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to inaugurate the project. "During my first visit to Delhi after becoming the Chief Minister, I called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and requested him to dedicate the metro rail to the nation. We expect a response from the PMO within three or four days indicating a date for the inauguration," Gowda said.

A senior Minister has been entrusted with the task of interacting with the PMO and getting a date for the Prime Minister's visit, he said.