Rapid Metro begins trial runs

The second phase of the project,which will cover a distance of 7 km,is expected to be ready by July 2015. It will have six stations and spread towards Sector-56 from Sikanderpur Metro station.

Hooda said Haryana Urban Development Authority will be a partner in construction of the corridor,as it has provided right of way.

The chief minister also spoke about improving public transport facilities in the city,calling for the expansion of the Metro network and introduction of pod taxis.

He said efforts are on to take the Metro towards Kundli in Sonepat and connect old Gurgaon through pod taxis.

Secretary of Urban Development Ministry Sudhir Krishna said Metro facilities should also be planned for areas that are likely to be developed in the near future. He also spoke about the need for feeder bus services in the area.

He said the fare structure of Rapid Metro is same as that of Delhi Metro. The two lines,he said,will be connected to offer passengers seamless connectivity with the Capital.

Rapid Metro Managing Director Sanjiv Rai said after the extension is ready,on an average,60,000 vehicles will be reduced from the roads.

The Rapid Metro is being constructed at a cost of Rs 1,088 crore and its Phase-I stretches over a distance of 5.1 km. It will have six stations — Sikanderpur,DLF Phase-II,Belvedere Towers,Cyber City,Moulsari Avenue and Cyber Green Infinity Towers.

The corridor is expected to be completed by March 2013.

Hooda favours FDI in retail

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday said he is in favour of FDI in retail. He said being the son of a farmer he knows that FDI is in favour of the farmers and consumers. Hooda said the FDI in retail will fetch correct prices for farmers as the companies would purchase directly from them. Buyers will get quality products at cheaper rates.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday flagged off the trial runs of the Rapid Metro and laid the foundation stone for the second phase of the project

The Rapid Metro is expected to start operations in March next year. Its Managing Director Sanjiv Rai claiming the train went on trial in a record time of 24 months

The Phase-II is expected to be ready by July 2015. It will have 6 stations and route length will be around 7 km. It cover the area towards Gurgaon Sector-56 from Sikanderpur Metro station

Hooda said government’s multi-modal mobility plan looks at improving public transport in the state and expansion of Metro network and pod taxis are part of the plan.

Government hopes to connect entire Gurgaon city through pod taxis and take the Rapid Metro to old Gurgaon. There are plans to bring Metro to Kundli in Sonepat.