Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu today expressed concern over delays in according safety clearances for Metro Rail projects resulting in non-utilisation of such projects built with substantial investments.
Naidu reviewed the commissioning of some Metro projects which were completed sometime back and still not put to use for want of safety clearances. Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhu, Chairman of Railway Board, Secretary (Civil Aviation), Secretary (Urban Development), Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, CMD of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, former CMD of DMRC Shri Sridharan and concerned senior officials participated in the discussions.
Venkaiah Naidu and Suresh Prabhu asserted that metro rail safety cannot be compromised but at the same time clearances should not be delayed. Both the ministers called for measures to ensure timely decisions.
Naidu noted that Jaipur Railway has sought safety clearance as early as in August 2014 and is yet to be given the clearance. Similarly, Chennai Metro has sought rolling stock clearance in August, 2014 which is still due.
During the discussions it transpired that on account of rapid expansion of metro rail services in the country, there was a need for a separate Safety Certification Agency for Metro projects and the same should be examined in detail. Chairman of Railway Board stated that Railway Ministry would have no objection for creating such a mechanism. Civil Aviation Ministry, the nodal ministry for railway safety Informed that a proposal has been moved for creating two more posts of Commissioners of Metro Safety as against only one at present.
Venkaiah Naidu has asked all the concerned to meet again shortly for firming up the measures to be taken for ensuring timely safety clearances for Metro projects.
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