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India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar meets President Asian Development Bank Masato Kanda
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal Khattar and the Asian Development Bank President, Mr. Masato Kanda met today at Shram Shakti Bhawan to discuss ADB's unflagging support and investment in the Indian Urbanisation, said a release from the Ministry of Power. According to the release, the meeting emphasised ADB's past support extended to various developing sectors and highlighted potential areas of investment to achieve the glorious vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. Union Minister Lal and President Kanda discussed a range of issues, addressing India's development in Mass Transit Systems, Inclusive Housing, Urban Sanitation and Infrastructure, Urban Governance and Reforms, among other topics. The Hon'ble Minister shed light on the expanse of the development boom experienced by the mobility sector, as successful models of Multi-Modal Transit Systems are being deployed and scaled up throughout the country. According to the release, the Minister emphasised the significant progress made under key flagship missions such as Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT, and PMAY-Urban, and underscored the opportunity for ADB to align its investments with India's urban development agenda to advance the shared vision of creating sustainable, inclusive, and connected cities. ADB's President, Kanda, congratulated India for the steadfast growth witnessed in the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) and called the progress impressive. He also commended on how the Rail Network tactfully managed air pollution, transportation and social challenges, and how it is a matter of immense pride to be associated with the project. Continuing on this pattern of growth, the President advised how such efforts can be amplified by using integrated planning and holistic development, ensuring the involvement of private players equipped to deploy innovation on the ground for path-breaking results. As per the release, both officials discussed the importance of the Urban Challenge Fund being forward-looking in its design, with strong support from municipal corporations to improve the bankability of projects. The Minister appreciated ADB's collaboration in developing knowledge frameworks aligned with the priorities outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26. The Fund envisions cities as Growth Hubs, serving as blueprints for transforming water, sanitation, and waste services in 100 Indian cities. The Minister also expressed interest in ADB initiating demonstration projects that could serve as lighthouse models for future urban development. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Housing and Urban Affairs, with an expression of appreciation for ADB's partnership and commitment. (ANI)
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Centre to consider Bengaluru metro phase-2, 3A proposals: Housing minister
BENGALURU : Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday said the Centre will examine Bangalore Metro Phase-2 and 3A proposals after they receive approval from the Karnataka government. He reviewed the progress of various urban initiatives in Bengaluru and urged the state government to prioritise legacy waste management and tap Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) 2025-26 for Urban Reforms. Expressing satisfaction over the progress of various missions, the Union Minister said the revised cost of Bangalore Metro Phase-2 project will be considered once the proposal is approved by the state cabinet. "At present about 75 km of metro network is operational in Bengaluru and about 145 km of metro network is under construction. Recently, a few months back, the central government sanctioned 45 km of metro phase-3 network at a cost of Rs 15,600 crore," an official statement said. According to the statement, the state government has submitted the proposal for Bangalore phase-3A, covering approximately 37 kms. The estimated cost is about Rs 28,400 crore. The cost estimate of phase-3 A network needs to be examined by the expert agency. The Centre has already issued directions in this regard. "The project will be sanctioned by the central government, once reply is received from the government of Karnataka," he said. Khattar further urged the state government to address the issue of legacy waste management and promote reuse of water and sustainability. He also emphasised allowing higher FAR (Floor Area Ratio) along mass transit corridors, which will reshape cities, reduce traffic congestion and improve use of public transport. "During the discussion on fund requirement of the State, over and above the approved schemes of the Government of India, Union Minister encouraged the state to take up the reforms to claim the 50 years interest-free loan under the 'Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) 2025-26'," the statement added.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Centre awaits Karnataka's nod for revised Bengaluru metro phase-2 costs
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal, on Friday said the Central Government will consider the revised cost estimates for Bengaluru Metro Phase-2 only after the Karnataka State Cabinet approves the proposal and submits it formally to the Centre. Also Read - Workers of Pro Kannada organisations stage protest in Bengaluru demanding removal of Tammannah Bhatia as KSDL ambassador The Minister, who was in Bengaluru to review the progress of various urban development schemes, made these remarks during a high-level assessment meeting. According to a statement from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the review also covered issues related to infrastructure planning, water sustainability, and urban reforms. During the meeting, Manohar Lal was briefed on the current status of the metro network in the city. At present, Bengaluru has an operational metro network spanning approximately 75 km, while another 145 km is under active construction. Earlier this year, the Union Government had sanctioned the 45-km Phase-3 corridor, approving a budget of ₹15,600 crore. Also Read - Bengaluru teen, 19, duped of ₹3.7 Crore in investment scam, police launch search for accused: Report The Karnataka government has now put forward a fresh proposal for Phase-3A of the Namma Metro project. This proposed extension, covering 37 km, is estimated to cost ₹28,400 crore. However, the Minister clarified that the cost estimates for Phase-3A must undergo evaluation by an expert body before the Centre can take a decision. Directions for such an assessment have already been issued, he said. Approval for the project hinges on a formal response from the state government. 'Once the proposal is cleared by the State Cabinet and reaches us, we will initiate the process of sanctioning,' the Minister added. Besides metro expansion, Manohar Lal also stressed the urgent need to tackle legacy waste and promote sustainable urban practices. He underscored the importance of reusing treated wastewater to address the rising demand for fresh water in cities. In a push for sustainable urban planning, he advocated for increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) along public transit corridors. Allowing higher FAR, he said, would promote denser development around mass transit hubs, reduce traffic congestion, and boost public transport usage. The Minister also encouraged the Karnataka government to implement necessary reforms to become eligible for the Centre's 'Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI)' scheme for 2025-26. Under this initiative, states can avail of a 50-year, interest-free loan for capital investments beyond existing central schemes. It may be recalled that the Union Cabinet had already approved two key segments of Phase-2 in 2021 — Phase 2A (Central Silk Board to K.R. Puram) and Phase 2B (K.R. Puram to Kempegowda International Airport via Hebbal), which together span 58.19 km. These segments are being implemented at a combined cost of ₹14,788 crore. Once completed, these projects are expected to significantly expand Bengaluru's public transport capacity, offering a vital solution to the city's mounting traffic and connectivity issues.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Centre to consider Bangalore Metro Phase-2, 3A proposals: Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar
Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday said the Centre will examine Bangalore Metro Phase-2 and 3A proposals after they receive approval from the Karnataka government . He reviewed the progress of various urban initiatives in Bengaluru and urged the state government to prioritise legacy waste management and tap Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) 2025-26 for Urban Reforms . Expressing satisfaction over the progress of various missions, the Union Minister said the revised cost of Bangalore Metro Phase-2 project will be considered once the proposal is approved by the state cabinet. "At present about 75 km of metro network is operational in Bengaluru and about 145 km of metro network is under construction. Recently, a few months back, the central government sanctioned 45 km of metro phase-3 network at a cost of Rs 15,600 crore," an official statement said. According to the statement, the state government has submitted the proposal for Bangalore phase-3A, covering approximately 37 kms. The estimated cost is about Rs 28,400 crore. The cost estimate of phase-3 A network needs to be examined by the expert agency. The Centre has already issued directions in this regard. "The project will be sanctioned by the central government, once reply is received from the government of Karnataka," he said. Khattar further urged the state government to address the issue of legacy waste management and promote reuse of water and sustainability. He also emphasised allowing higher FAR ( Floor Area Ratio ) along mass transit corridors, which will reshape cities, reduce traffic congestion and improve use of public transport. Live Events "During the discussion on fund requirement of the State, over and above the approved schemes of the Government of India, Union Minister encouraged the state to take up the reforms to claim the 50 years interest-free loan under the 'Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) 2025-26'," the statement added.
