The union Cabinet today approved the promulgation of an ordinance on the operation and maintenance of the over Rs 12,000 crore Delhi metro, spelling out functions of its administration and conferring on it necessary powers.
The Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Ordinance 2002 would be replaced by a bill to be introduced in the ensuing winter session of parliament beginning mid-November, an official spokesperson said here.
The ordinance provides for appointment of a commissioner of metro railway safety and other installations to ensure passengers safety.
The commissioner will be vested with requisite powers to investigate accidents involving the metro railway and make periodic inspections.
The metro would be opened to general public only after the commissioner certifies that the railway was fit for carrying passengers safely and the union government is sanctions its operation.
The target for commissioning the first section linking Shahadra to Tees Hazari is December this year.
The ordinance would also provide powers to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to enter into working arrangements with other agencies in connection with its working.
The legislation covers provisions for laying down the fare structure on the recommendations of the fare fixation committee, to be set up by the centre. This committee would have a maximum term of three months.
The ordinance may run into conflict with the Delhi government as it would effectively mean that Delhi Metro Rail Corporation be responsible to the union government.
The union and Delhi governments have slugged it out with each other over who gets the credit for the project that has seen its cost escalate nearly 45 per cent from the original estimate of Rs 8,400 crore.
Another decision of today
