'CM will take final decision on Metro'

The final decision on implementing the Metro rail project in Bangalore city will be taken by chief minister N Dharam Singh, said state industries, infrastructure and finance minister P G R Sindhia.

Sindhia, a member of Janata Dal (Secular) who till recently supported his leader H D Deve Gowda's opposition to the project, has now changed his stance. "There are no differences between us (JD(S) and Congress). The Centre is yet to take a final decision in this regard and the proposal is yet to come before the state Cabinet," he told reporters.

He said, "You ask the chief minister. He is in charge of the urban development portfolio. He will take a final decision on the project".

Asked if the government will examine cheaper alternatives like the monorail system suggested by H D Deve Gowda, he said, "I don't want to get into a controversy."

The work on Bangalore metro, if things go according to plan is expected to start by the end of the year.

Speaking to reporters after discussing with the the 16-member US business delegation led by senator Max Bacus, who met him on Saturday, Sindhia said, "We are keen that the Metro rail project should be on the lines of the Delhi Metro. Issues like gauge system are yet to be decided."

He said that there are ample opportunities in the state for investments and many foreign firms have evinced interest in investing in the state. The US business delegation led by senator Max Bacus has also shown interest in investing in the state, he said.