Another bad news on a popular magzine : Dirty politics in the Ghaziabad Metro project

Friends,

There seems endless negative news about Ghaziabad Metro. Observing the commuting problem between New-Delhi/Ghaziabad, we can just pray God to make these political leaders more responsible towards public wounds.

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The Rita Bahuguna Joshi-Mayawati episode is now assuming graver proportions. It is spilling over the political turf and directly affecting the people. The bitter battle between the Congress and the BSP is taking a toll on Delhi-Ghaziabad Metro section.

One thing is certain, Ghaziabad Metro is going to miss the 2010 deadline as the Delhi government has refused to fund the part of the project falling in the neighbouring Ghazaiabad district of Uttar Pradesh.

Delhi Transport Commissioner R.K. Verma said, "The UP government should bear the cost of extension of Metro in Ghaziabad. The UP government should give a commitment that it is ready to bear the operational losses on this route. We cannot allow DMRC to use Delhi government funds for Metro foray in UP."

The file relating to the Delhi-Ghaziabad Metro line has been pending with the Delhi government for six months. It was expected to be cleared soon to meet the 2010 deadline before the Commonwealth Games. But there's no movement. Ghaziabad is BJP president Rajnath Singh's constituency. And he is also worried.

"I have spoken to the NCR planning board chairman and written to the prime minister in this regard. Let's hope for the best," he said.

The 2.57 km corridor from Anand Vihar to Vaishali will approximately cost Rs 320 crore. The cost of the rolling stock was to be borne by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), while the land was to come from Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA).

Fifty per cent of the funding for the Metro comes from the Delhi government. The rest is given by the Central government through the DMRC. All earnings are shared by the two. Ghaziabad residents have every reason to be annoyed.

"We will not tolerate such governments which are insensitive towards the demands of the local public," said resident Balwant Singh.

Another, Yogesh Kumar, said, "We have too many problems commuting from Ghaziabad to Delhi and we want a solution now."

Even if the project gets an approval, it will take two years to complete. The only losers in this political war are the people living in Ghaziabad.