MoHUA issues formal approval for Jaipur Metro Phase-II project weeks after Union Cabinet nod

Jaipur, Apr 29 (PTI) The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has issued formal approval for the Jaipur Metro Phase-II project at a cost Rs 13,037.66 crore, officials said on Wednesday.
     The clearance comes nearly three weeks after the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the project on April 8.
     The Phase-II project envisages a 41-km-long north-south corridor from Prahladpura to Todi Mod with 36 stations, aimed at strengthening public transport in Jaipur, an official statement said.
     Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma had earlier directed officials to expedite implementation of the project following the cabinet nod.
     Officials said work orders for the first package -- a 12-km stretch from Prahladpura to Pinjrapole Gaushala -- are expected to be issued soon, while tenders for the remaining packages will be floated in the coming days.
     The project, a joint venture of the Centre and the state government, will be implemented by Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited.
     Under the Metro Rail Policy, 2017, the Centre will provide 50 per cent equity support for the project, reducing the financial burden on the state government, the statement said.
     The project is targeted for completion by 2031 and is expected to significantly enhance urban mobility in the city, officials said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)