Monorail vs MRTS: Centre to examine feasibility

Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda's demand for a mono rail system in Bangalore appears to have had an impact on the Centre.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs is likely to consider if mono rail is a better option than a mass rapid transport system (MRTS) on standard gauge.

Gowda had written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that a mono rail system was a more feasible option and the Bangalore Metro project should be re-examined. Senior government officials said that the Centre is likely to set up a committee to examine the best available technology for the 33 km project.

The move could result in further delays in the implementation of the project.

Construction work on the project was scheduled to begin in March this year, but, delays in clearances have meant that the first stretch can at best be started towards the end of 2009 or early 2010, nd that too if work started immediately, officials said.

The project cost has already shot up to over Rs 6,200, compared to Rs 5,000 crore originally. The Centre is expected to chip in with a contribution of Rs 1,800 crore, while the state government's contribution was estimated at Rs 1,450 crore.

The remaining Rs 3,000 crore will be raised from financial institutions, officials said. Bangalore Mass Rapid Transit Ltd, the implementing agency for the project, was of the opinion that the mono rail was an expensive option with a low return on investment.

It said that mono rail systems cost Rs 120 crore per km, against the metro's Rs 75 crore per km. Similarly, metro rail had a capacity to carry 45,000-50,000 passengers per hour, against mono rail's 10,000-12,000 passengers per hour. The project has been discussed by the Public Investment Board chaired by expenditure secretary Adarsh Kishore .

"The Cabinet note for the project is being finalised, but, the CCEA has to tie up a large number of loose ends," said an official. The Railways want to retain control over the project, while the Karnataka government wants it to be governed by the state law.

While, the Bangalore Mass Rapid Transit Ltd (BMRTL) is in favour of standard gauge, the Indian Railways had suggested broad gauge at the PIB meeting.

Similarly, officials said, the legal framework for the project was not clear. The Railways want to retain control over the project, while the Karnataka government wants it to be governed by the state law. BMRTL is of the opinion that the Bangalore Metro make use of the Mysore Tramways Act, with some amendment, to avoid going to Indian Railways for sanctions.

PROS AND CONS

Gowda had appealed to the Prime Minister that the mono rail was a better option than mass rapid transport system

Panel to examine best available technology for the 33-km project. Delays in clearance of the project that was to start in March this year means it will begin only by 2010

Cost overruns in the project are already to the tune of Rs 1,200 crores with increase from Rs 5000 crore to Rs 6200 cr