Agree in-principle to RRTS project, funds a problem: Delhi govt to SC

The Delhi government informed the Supreme Court Monday that it has "in-principle" agreed to the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) -- a rail corridor between Delhi-Meerut and Delhi-Panipat -- but funding it was a problem.

It told a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta that it would file an affidavit before the court within three weeks, listing the issues pertaining to the RRTS.

In August, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had urged the Centre to bear Delhi's share of cost of the proposed 82.15-km rapid transit project between Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut, citing inadequate finances.

During the hearing on Monday, advocate Aparajita Singh, assisting the top court as amicus curiae in the matter, said the Delhi government was "sitting" over important issues including RRTS, which is aimed at de-congesting the national capital.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre, also told the bench that Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have agreed to RRTS but Delhi government was not responding.

Advocate Wasim A Qadri, appearing for the Delhi government, said: "In-principle, Delhi government agrees to it (RRTS). The only problem is funds. We will file a detailed affidavit."