Showcase project: MMRDA wants extension till 2011-end; Bank says convince us first, meet these objectives by April
The world Bank has set objectives it wants the MMRDA to meet before granting yet another extension to the showcase Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP).
Hit by multiple delays, the showcase project’s current loan period ends on June 15, 2010, after which the incomplete road and rail components become ineligible for funding. The MMRDA has sought an extension till December 2011 but the World Bank feels it needs to be convinced.
“We’re now at a situation where we want to help MMRDA in projections in completing the project. In the past the projections have been made and remade. It is important when the Bank looks at an extension for projects that last too long. This time when MMRDA submits its completion schedule, the bank needs to get convinced. The important fact is that there were hurdles and others remain. MMRDA needs to handle it in a professional manner,” said Hubert Nove-Josserand, the World Bank’s team task leader for MUTP.
The MMRDA has been given parameters to achieve by April to convince the Bank. “We will take stock of the situation in April. There are triggers that need to be achieved to gain confidence¿ then the Bank can extend the loan,” Josserand said. “Project management is on trigger. We would also like an agreement between MMRDA and Indian Railways for a bridge over the railway lines on the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road, which is crucial, a formal handover of the resettlement colonies to the BMC and clearing of complaints received in the grievance redressal cell by May.”
Bank officials who wrapped up the MUTP review mission made it clear no half-measures would be considered.
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