Nagpur: In order to fasten up work for various metro projects, the board of Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro) has cleared proposal to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for coach assembly plant Butibori. The estimate cost of setting up the plan is approximately Rs 350 crore. The actual cost will be based on the DPR.
The board meeting for the same was held in Chennai to set the ball rolling for the project. As per the preliminary information, the Maha Metro is planning to bring together broad gauge as well as standard gauge coaches in the plant.
The standard gauge coaches will be for the Pune Metro. On the other hand, broad gauge coaches will for metro trains to Katol, Ramtek, Wardha and Bhandara.
Talking about future possibilities, if Maha Metro gets orders from other Metros then it will set up a full scale coach manufacturing capacity making a sizable investment of hundreds of crores. With this the Maha Metro will be offering wide range of employment opportunities to thousands of people.
After clearing the proposal for DPR, MahaMetro is eying to complete the assembly plan in a year’s time. The authorities want to speed up work as it does not want to buy coaches for Pune Metro. Given the pace of work, the officials feel that one year’s time will be enough to make the plant operational.
On the other hand, the authorities informed that for Nagpur Metro, China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) will supply coaches.
On a larger canvas, Maha Metro is hoping that central and state government will chip in funds in the projects. The authorities will also look to partner with private partners to invest funds in metro projects as well as running them seamlessly. Maha Metro would then be a supervisory body, ensuring all work is carried out as per plan and processes.
