New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, on Tuesday said that the Delhi government’s rejection of the two proposed Metro corridors — Rithala-Narela (21.73 km) and Tuglakabad-Aerocity Terminal 1 (22 km) under Phase 4 would deprive several people residing in rural areas along these routes.
Mr Gupta said the government’s decision took four long years. “It is unfortunate that the government is giving priority to financial losses over deprived poeple. It is undesirable to consider revenue loss when it comes to public transport system such as Delhi Metro,” Mr Gupta said.
He asked if financial losses deter the government, can it dare to wind up DTC?”
He claimed that government’s decision comes after long wait of four-years and deprive these neglected rural areas of economic growth and social connectivity. “Both these routes would have provided much needed mass transport to rural areas and the belts inhabited by deprived and under privileged sections of the societies. These areas are denied public transport services. DTC has very poor services in these areas. It was very important to connect millions of people residing on both sides of these two routes,” Mr Gupta added.
He warned the government to give up its step-motherly treatment to rural areas. He urged the government to reconsider rejection of the two routes. “It is for the first time that the government is rejecting instead of expanding the routes. No government can deny benefit of Delhi Metro to rural areas,” he said.
“The Arvind Kejriwal government should review its decision and in case it fails to do so, BJP will have no option but to come out on the streets protesting against Kejriwal government,” Mr Gupta added.
