Hasten Phase II plan,says Kamal Nath

BANGALORE: Union Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath asked the state government to speed up the proposal for Phase II of Namma Metro and assured that he would deal with it quickly to ensure that work begins at the earliest.After the launch of Namma Metro Reach I, Nath said that this was a small step in a long journey. He said Phase II would be developed at an approximate cost of Rs 25,000 crore. “The high speed rail link (HSRL) to BIAL would be developed at a cost of Rs 6,000 crore,” he added.He also said metros will be considered for cities with over 30 lakh population.Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said he would direct the state Chief Secretary to place proposals to the cabinet for approval. Gowda added that Nath’s idea of creating a separate Metro Board would go a long way in unburdening the railways of additional responsibility and would bring the right kind of focus required for metros.Minister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa sought metro links to Kanakpura, Doddballapur, BIA and Mysore Road.