THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The light metro project has once again caught up in fresh row of controversies. What appears to be a major flaw in the DPR approval for light metro projects, it is suspected that the Cabinet note on the same was not prepared in accordance with the Cabinet decision. Following this, the PWD Minister has urgently called for the file to be presented before him on Monday.
“There was suspicion that the note was prepared not in accordance with what the Cabinet has decided on the projects. It is to clarify the matter, PWD Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju has called for the file,” the sources pointed out.
They also clarified that the administrative sanction is yet to be given for the projects. It is the PWD Department which has to concede to the administrative sanctions, they said.
As per the official communication issued, the decision to give nod for the DPR on the light metro was taken on Wednesday. But even after four days, a government order (GO) is yet to be issued by the government in this regard. “It is true that there has been confusions regarding it. We are not yet sure whether the project has been taken off or not. Cabinet decision should be converted into a GO within 48 hours. Till this time, there has not been a GO. In the statement, it was clearly stated that the services of the DMRC should be utilised for the projects. There were three or four funding options which were mentioned. And the GO should be released giving a detailed explanation of these things. Then only, the project could be taken ahead. Perhaps, they might not have come up with solid solutions for it. Hope, there will be a clarification as the PWD Minister has called for the file,” sources said.
There is also confusion that the details clarified in the press note does not tally with the Cabinet note received by the PWD Department. Highly-placed sources clarified that it is still not clear whether the project has actually been taken off.