Review meet on progress of various metros held

Metro rail companies, being built with Central government equity across the country, have been asked to speed up appointment of independent directors and promote efficiency in hiring manpower.
This was conveyed by Urban Development Secretary Rajiv Gauba here today during a review of progress of various metro projects and issues related to their functioning.
Senior officials of the ministry, besides chief executives of Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kochi metros attended the meeting.
Issues ranging from appointment of independent directors and chief vigilance officers, standardisation of equipment, bulk procurement, fare-fixation, performance-based promotions, competitive bidding and security were discussed during the two-hour long review exercise, an official statement said.

A proposal for appointing a common regulator for all metro projects for fare-fixation was also discussed and it was decided that the views of respective states would be appropriately taken into consideration in this regard while taking the decision, it said.
Gauba also urged all metro operators to ensure early appointment of independent directors on the boards including at least one woman director as required under the Companies Act, 2013.

The official also called for early appointment of chief vigilance officers by respective boards in consultation with the chief vigilance commissioner.
Stressing on the need for efficiency in project management and metro operations, Gauba suggested 'fast-track promotion' policy as appropriate for consideration by respective boards to attract good talent.

Gauba also emphasised on the need to promote indigenous production of metro equipment under the 'Make In India' initiative of the government.
He also complimented Lucknow Metro for being in a position to commission the priority section of 8.50 km of North-South Corridor between Airport and Charbagh Railway Station by the end of this year, it said.