Just after the verdict on AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa’s acquittal was out, a section of people in social media went on to discuss what the judgment meant for long-pending projects such as Chennai Metro Rail and Monorail.
“The only good thing with this verdict is the opening of long-completed projects such as Metro, subsidised pharmacy shops, etc,” posted Sridhar on Twitter.
Ever since Ms. Jayalalithaa was convicted in the disproportionate assets case last year, speculation was rife that though Chennai Metro Rail was completed, it had not been inaugurated because of the ongoing case. But officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited said only after the mandatory clearance from Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, can the project be inaugurated.
Srini Swaminathan, a 35-year-old teacher, said: “Several of us had been discussing in an online forum of how this project is being delayed due to the case. But now, after Ms. Jayalalithaa becomes the Chief Minister, Chennai Metro Rail will be the first project she inaugurates.”
“The absence of Ms. Jayalalithaa at the helm of affairs reportedly slowed down several developmental works and the Global Investor Meet,” said 25-year-old Anirudh. “With Amma back, I hope things are back in action in full swing. I can’t wait to use the Metro Rail,” he added.
The project launched in 2009 met several delays and missed many deadlines. Though the first service between Koyambedu and Alandur was to be thrown open to the public in October 2014, it is yet to see the light of the day. Similarly, another project which has been shelved and resurrected, but never taken off, is Monorail.What started as an ambitious 333 km network was systematically scaled down and now stands 43.48 km. Also, the Ministry of Urban Development has given its nod only for a 20-km stretch between Porur and Vadapalani. With such erratic developments, even urban planning experts feel this project may not really take off.
“We are sure that Metro Rail will be open very soon; but after the failure of Mumbai Monorail project, it looks like even this government is quite sceptical on the project here,” said an urban planning expert who did not want to be named.
Metro Rail
- June 2009: Chennai Metro Rail launched with a cost estimate of Rs. 14,600 crore
- July 2012: First tunnel work commenced in Chennai from Nehru Park to Egmore, a distance of 948 metres
- May 2013: The city’s first Metro Rail train arrives from Port of Santos, Brazil.
- November 2013: Chennai Metro Rail makes its first test run.
- January 2014: First trial run from Koyambedu depot
- April 2015: Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety gives conditional clearance to run services between Koyambedu and Ashok Nagar
Mono Rail
- February 2006: State invites bids. Monorail to cover 300 km with 18 corridors at a single phase.
- 2006-2011: Change of government; DMK comes to power and focus turns to Metro Rail. AIADMK returns to power and revives project. A 111 km project planned at Rs. 16,600 crore
- February 2012: The government drops one of the corridors, reducing the length to 57 km
- July 2014: Monorail length restructured to 43.48 km comprising just two corridors.
- November 2014: Ministry of Urban Development in-principle approval for phase 1 of the project at Rs. 3,267 core.
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