E Sreedharan | Photo: P P Ratheesh
New Delhi: E Sreedharan, Managing Director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), said that the K-Rail project is not feasible as per the current plan and could be implemented by constructing an overpass (elevated) or underground passage.
After holding a meeting with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, he pointed out that the cost of constructing the flyover as part of the project would be costlier.
"The Detailed Plan Report (DPR) submitted by the State Government has various inaccuracies. No detailed survey has been conducted. The aerial survey cannot give clarity over a lot of matters such as the alignment of the rail tracks. Further, this survey can't figure out how many bridges are needed. About 3,000 small bridges will have to be built to implement the SilverLine," he said.
"The estimated cost for the project was arrived based on these findings. Further, the land is now being acquired as per the average width needed for the railway lines. However, the project may need 50 per cent more land. In addition, the land is required for the construction of ancillary buildings," he added.
Sreedharan also pointed out that it would be hard to implement the project based on the alignment adopted by the state government.
He also dismissed the idea that the project could be completed within five years. He pointed out that it will take at least 10-12 years to be completed.
He also dismissed the idea that Vande Bharat trains would be an alternative to SilverLine project. However, such railway services would benefit the people, he added.