State seeks central aid for major infra projects

Chavan sought an assistance of Rs 1.38 lakh crore during his interaction with the Prime Minister. Of this,Rs 58,000 crore will be for Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL),Mumbai Metro Line,Coastal road,Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and Multi-Modal Corridor (MMC) between Alibaug and Virar. The proposals for tagging these projects as national projects was discussed and these will be put forth at the meeting of the 12th Planning Commission on October 15-16.

”We have to think big. We want an approval for the concept,wherein the central government will give 90 per cent funds,” said Chavan.

Officials said difficulties in getting bidders for MTHL,doubts over land acquisition for NMIA and interest of private players in Metro line 3 were reasons for the government seeking aid from the Centre.

With civic polls in Mumbai nearing,the government is making efforts to ensure that projects make some headway. Chavan cited the example of the Ghosikhurd irrigation project which,upon being declared as a national project,is entitled to receive 90 per cent funding from the Centre.

“The state government can provide for the remaining 10 per cent funds. There will be no role for private agencies in the construction of these installations. Later,it will depend on the state government to give the projects for operational purposes to agencies,” an official said.

A presentation on coastal roads was made to the Prime Minister,in which the technical and financial aspects of the construction were highlighted.