Nineteen cities may get Metro

The Union government is planning to introduce metro rail transport in 19 cities with a population of over two million. Detailed project reports (DPRs) have been prepared for twelve cities while they are being prepared for the remaining seven cities. The Centre would also provide support for Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) projects in 11 cities with a network of more than 437km and which cost more than Rs. 5500 crore. The Kochi Metro, which is the eighth Metro project in the country, will be a 25km line from Aluva to Petta. The Union government will contribute Rs. 1000 cr towards the project. It has also sanctioned six projects worth about Rs. 509 cr around Kochi under JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission). The government is also studying the feasibility of a second phase of extension of the Kochi metro.