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Delhi

Going public: DMRC likely to execute Monorail project

Having burnt its fingers with the private-public partnership (PPP) model in the operation of the Airport Expressline Metro, the Delhi government is now likely to execute the Delhi Monorail project through a government agency. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has emerged as the front runner to execute the project.

Having entrusted it the responsibility to run the Airport Expressline Metro, the government is all set to ask the public sector undertaking to execute the project. The first Monorail corridor is scheduled to be commissioned in the east Delhi area. The 11-kilometre -long project is likely to get operational by 2017.

The funding module being planned for the Monorail project is similar to that of the Metro with the centre and the state governments making the capital investments and the remaining amount coming from Japan International Cooperation Agency as loan. Delhi Transport Department has prepared a detailed project report, said an official.

The project is expected to cost Rs 2,235 crore.  The Delhi government will pay Rs 956.60 crore, while the centre will pay Rs 444.40 crore.  The equity of the concessionaire will be Rs 274 crore that is 12.33 per cent of the total cost of the project. DMRC is all set to be brought in as the concessionaire.

‘The first Monorail from Shastri Park to Trilokpuri will have 12 stations in its 11 km route. The project would be commissioned in March 2017. It has been decided to appoint the execution agency and start work before the Election Commission implements code of conduct in the run-up to the Assembly polls,’ sources said.

‘The Monorail will not only supplement Delhi Metro Services but would also help residents staying in congested localities to make use of a modern, convenient, pollution-free, air-conditioned and affordable public transport system from their doorsteps.

Further, it would change the scenario of public transport in east Delhi, where buses, mini-buses, shared three-wheelers and rickshaw services are the slow-moving and out-dated mode of transport.

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