President Pratibha Patil today said mass transport has become a necessity to avoid congestion and pollution.
She was speaking after laying the foundation of a new metro line connecting South Kolkata with central area of the city.
Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, Finance Minister Pranab Mukerjee and leaders of Trinamool Congress were present at the function, but there was no one from Left Front West Bengal government on dais.
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“As the population grows, it is essential to have mass transport and transit systems that facilitate movement within city. In their absence city dwellers would depend on private transportation leading to congestion, pollution and more fuel consumption,” Ms. Patil said.
The 17-km stretch to be built at an estimated cost of over Rs. 2600 crore will connect Joka in South 24 Parganas district to BBD Bag, the central business district of the metropolis, and help in decongesting the Diamond Harbour Road.
“I am also optimistic that a project such as this which is sensitive to the concerns of the local people will be completed in time and be a source of pride for all,” she said.
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