Kasargod/Alappuzha: Public Works Minister G Sudhakaran said that the Light Metro projects proposed in Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram had not been shelved, on Sunday. He reiterated that the project would be taken up once the Centre gives approval for the works.
Once the state receives the green signal, Kerala would take up the matter with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) consultant E. Sreedharan, he said presiding over a function to inaugurate the Kottappuram road bridge.
At the same time, if any one can prove that the state had shown neglect in the matter, he was prepared for a discussion, he told mediapersons in Alappuzha. Even before the new central policy was evolved, Kerala had written to the Centre, and in spite of that if those like E Sreedharan blamed the state, it was regrettable.
He clarified that the state had not invited DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) for any confrontation, and wondered what the problem would be if the project did not have DMRC.
Meanwhile, CPI State secretary Kanam Rajendran has said that the proposal to have Light Metro services for Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram needs more study.
He told the media here on Sunday that the issue had not been discussed in the Left Democratic Front as yet.
Kanam also pointed out that the Kochi Metro itself was yet to turn profitable.
“Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac has said that the Light Metro project needs more study. I agree with him,” he said. He however added that the CPI had not examined the issue as yet and the government decisions on similar projects need not involve consultation with all political parties.