Jaipur

Almost nearing completion, the Jaipur Metro Rail is awaiting safety certificates and inspection by the Railway Board and Commissioner Metro Rail (Mumbai) before it is flagged off by next month, its top official said today.

“Jaipur Metro Rail Phase I is nearing completion. We are at the advanced stage to start its operation by March 31 (tentative date) from Mansarovar to Chandpole, distance of about 9.2 km,” CMD N C Goyal told media persons after taking a ride on it here.

Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC) has informed the Railway Board and Commissioner Metro Rail at Mumbai to get it inspected and issue the certificate for its operation, he said.

If there was any objection or contingency observed by these two agencies, it would be corrected soon, he said.

Jaipur Metro Rail Phase I was built at an estimated cost of Rs 1,950 crore, while total cost of Phase I and Phase II, which is underway and underground from Chandpole to Bari Chaupar in the walled city would cost around Rs 3,149 crore, the CMD said.

When asked about the alleged cracks in the old buildings and shops in the walled city due to underground drilling in the second phase, he said all preventive steps were taken after installing track metre to detect and observe cracks during civil works.

Due to centuries-old buildings, the cracks already existed, and even if there was any damage to any place, house, shop or building, it would be repaired and damages would be paid, he said.

Rajasthan Police would extend security to JMRC after the operation of the Metro train as the CISF did not agree to do so, Goyal said.

Smart cards would be introduced for hassle free travel for daily commuters, he said in reply to another question.

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