GDA to complete metro project within time, says new Vice Chairperson

The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) is poised to speed up the Ghaziabad Metro project with the old funding pattern in the stipulated time, new GDA Vice Chairperson Kanchan Verma has said.

After presenting the GDA report before the government, the GDA Vice Chairperson sounded enthusiastic as she told IANS that "No project would be allowed to suffer for want of funds. The Metro and elevated road are our prestigious projects. These project would enhance the image of Ghaziabad on the world map."

She said the projects would be completed within a stipulated time. "Just connecting UP Gate within 20 minutes from Raj Nagar Extension would attract home buyers in this hub after this road is completed where over 20,000 homes are almost ready to move into, and from where office goers can commute to their offices in any part of Delhi and Noida from here."

"So how can we allow his project to suffer?" the new Vice Chairperson added.

The officer said once the Metro project is completed Delhi University would be only 15 minutes from this city and "Ghaziabad students would be able to compete with Delhi students in Delhi University examinations. Delhi University would be the next destination of the young generation of Ghaziabad as after the Metro project is operational Delhi University would be the favourite destination for students since this line goes to Delhi University directly. How could we would allow this project to be jeopardized?".

"No way!" said the officer. "This project would be a reality shortly."

"Our priority is to complete our ongoing Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) project from Dilshad Garden to the new bus stand in Ghaziabad. Our second priority is to complete the elevated road from UP Gate to Raj Nagar Extension because huge financial stakes are involved in these projects to boost Ghaziabad's image. On the DMRC projects we have presented our case before the government that the funding pattern approved by the state cabinet has yet not been complied with by the participant departments - UPSIDC, Avas Vikas and Municipal Corporation. Government is committed to enforce the decision taken by the state cabinet."

"The government would approved our pending revised DPR (Detailed Project Report) in its cabinet meeting so that the funds would not remain a constraint in paying DMRC bills. We are sure we would overcome these problems since the government seems positive to solve these hassles," she added.

"Once our wheel comes on track, we would be able to overcome the financial troubles since we have the ample properties. According to a rough estimate we have properties for sale worth over Rs 2,200 crore in Koyal Enclave and in Madhuban Bapudham. We can generate Rs 150 to 200 crore by selling our properties to weaker sections as a survey report is reaching us by DUDA and other agencies. So our future is secure but our concern is to speed up undergoing projects of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and elevated road connecting Raj Nagar Extension to UP gate which I hope would be completed within a stipulated time," added Verma.

--IANS

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