K'taka seeks to end doubts on Bangalore Metro rail

Karnataka is firm on implementing a metro rail project in the city to decongest roads, with chief minister H D Kumaraswamy directing officials to commence work on it as he put to rest speculation that the project may never come through.

"There is no confusion over implementing the metro rail project," he told reporters after holding talks with officials here on Tuesday.

The officials will meet a three-member GoM (group of ministers) constituted by the

Centre to work the modalities of implementing metro rail projects in the country, he said. The Centre has agreed to contribute Rs 1,600 crore towards the project and the state would chip in with a matching amount. The Japanese bank will also provide loan for the project, Kumaraswamy said.

The government has decided to establish a corporate office here to look into the execution of the metro project, official sources said.

A meeting of civic bodies like Bangalore Mahanagara Palike and Bangalore Development Authority has been convened to review infrastructure works initiated by them after the JD(S)-BJP government assumed office, he said.