Delhi: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) refusing to lend money for purchasing new coaches, derails Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) plans.
JICA has already three phases of DMRC to some extent. But its refusal to lend further funds has stalled the plan to add more coaches. DMRC wants to add more coaches to bring down overcrowding in metro.
With no funding coming from JICA, it would be tough for DMRC to implement its plant as reported by well-know daily Hindustan Times.
As per the plant DMRC want to add more coaches in various
- Blue Line metro that connects Dwarka with Vaishali/Noida
- Red Line, connecting Rithala with Dilshad Garden
- Yellow Line, linking HUDA City centre with Samaypur Badli
The report in HT states that procuring new 156 coaches is approximately to be Rs 1,958 crore, together with taxes and duties.
DMRC’s Executive Director, Corporate Communication, Anuj Dayal shared that the additional coaches will help in increasing present capacity. This will also help in taking care of the extension of Airport Metro Line.
The Delhi Metro is also seeking funds from the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) to the tune of Rs 2,000 crore.
DMRC took this route after JICA refused to lend additional money for more coaches. The international funding agency has already funded three phases of metro project.
With non-availability of funds, the project has been delayed for more than two years now. Thankfully, NCPRB has given its go-ahead to DMRC and asked them to invite an open tender for fresh procurement.
As per the report if the NCRPB gives a funding model for Delhi Metro, the file will then head to Delhi government which is an equity partner for the loan.
It is already known that the Delhi government and central government have 50 per cent stake in DMRC.
