Potential delays loom for Jaipur metro extension projects

The potential delays in the two Metro extension projects are attributed to the inactivity of Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) officials in processing files related to acquiring loans for these projects during the period when the model code of conduct was in effect in Rajasthan. Officials from the Urban Development and Housing (UDH) department have asserted that while there were no explicit restrictions preventing JDA officials from advancing loan-related files, they refrained from doing so during the election period. Consequently, JDA now finds itself in a position where it must await the formation of a new government and the appointment of a new UDH department minister to determine the subsequent course of action. Critics argue that the decision for JDA to secure a loan on behalf of Jaipur Metro Railway Corporation (JMRC) appears somewhat illogical. Furthermore, the burden of funding the entire loan has been placed on JDA, which has resorted to mortgaging its properties for loan acquisition. There remains a window of opportunity until early October to revisit this decision. A senior UDH department official suggests that it would be prudent for the new government to make a decisive stance on the matter. In late November and early December, the Congress government granted financial approval for the two extension projects?Line 1C and Line 1D of Metro Railway Line 1. Subsequently, JMRC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC), the turnkey contractor responsible for constructing Line 1A of Jaipur Metro. The Line 1C extension spans from Badi Choupar to Transport Nagar, covering a distance of 2.85 kilometres. This stretch includes two additional stations?one underground (Ramgaunj) and the other elevated (Transport Nagar). On the opposite side, the Metro is slated to extend another 1.3 kilometres to Ajmer Road (200-feet Bypass).