RailEnquiry

Jaipur: Jaipurites will now have to wait till August to enjoy a ride on Metro. The reason: The ambitious Metro project from Mansarovar to Chandpol has got delayed once again and the deadline to complete this phase has been extended by one month. Previously the Metro trains were expected to ferry passengers in July after the June deadline mentioned by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), in the detailed project report, was extended.    Meanwhile, shortage of expert manpower, breaking down of the heavy machines and delay in civic works permission hit the project recently. For instance, the DMRC was not permitted to carry on civil works for laying tracks on Ajmer Pulia as the Railway Commissioner delayed the permission.   Referring to the reasons, the UDH minister Shanti Dhariwal while confirming the delay extended the deadline to August.   “The Metro will run in August and possibly in the first week,” said the minister talking to mediapersons at his residence on Thursday. He explained that the DMRC will have to finish the civil works for the Metro by June including laying of tracks, signal system and electricity works.   In July, three trains will be supplied from Delhi by the DMRC. These tested trains will run on the tracks in a bid to get safety clearance for the tracks. “Thus, it will save the time as the Jaipur Metro coaches that are being transported from Bangalore will be tested in Mansarovar depot alongside,” he said.   Dhariwal advised DMRC to gear up for civil works while keeping safety of passengers on top priority. He clarified that no haste should be made in carrying out works even if it means a further delay in the project. When asked about blacklisting DSC Limited for holding it responsible for the delay in civil works, the minister denied any such possibility saying that such an action will hit the project badly. He also announced that the foundation laying ceremony of Phase B from Chandpol to Bari Chaupar will be held in July when the Metro trains will be tested on the track.