Bangalore (PTI): Karnataka Government today said it was aiming to complete the Phase-I of the metro rail project in the city by December next year and has begun talks with Centre for taking up the second phase of the mass rapid transport system to ease traffic congestion in the IT capital.

This was stated by Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda after he reviewed the progress of Metro work with top officials here.

The Phase-II of Metro required Rs 26,405 crore funding and the state was in negotiations with the Centre, he told reporters.

The Metro Rail was inaugurated in October last year with trains being operated on the seven km-long stretch, part of the first phase covering 42.3 km.
He said the trial run on a 1.2 km stretch in Reach-1 between Rajajingar-Peenya section will commence from tomorrow. About 89 per cent of the work on Reach-II has been completed, in Reach-III the achievement was about 96 per cent and in other Reaches, the progress was about 60 per cent.

The government has asked Metro Rail Corporation to complete the Reach-III works by Janaruary-February next.

The meeting also reviewed progress works on 213 projects being implemented by the Karnataka Water Supply and Sewerage Board (KWSSB).

The Government has decided to take up drinking water project in Bijapur and Chitradurga in PPP model as suggested by Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh.

The project proposals will be brought before next cabinet meeting for approval, Gowda said.
He said the MoUs inked during the recent Global Investors Meet were also reviewed and it was decided to initiate expeditious steps to grant clearances to prospective investors.