Set up sister firm for consultancy: MoUD to Delhi Metro

The Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) has instructed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to set up a separate company to provide consultancy services. The DMRC offers consultancy services to several Metro projects in the country and abroad.

Sources said the ministry has issued directions to form a subsidiary firm of the DMRC so that the construction of the proposed Metro corridors in the city are not hampered by consultancy services. “The DMRC’s presence as a consultant abroad and in the country has been expanding. But the projects like Phase III and Phase III extension are seen to be facing several hurdles. It has been conveyed that the priority should be the sanctioned Metro projects in the city and a separate subsidiary firm of DMRC should be formed to carry out consultancy functions,” a senior official said. The MoUD fears that offering consultancy services under the DMRC may affect the functioning of officials.

Officials said the decision was taken by the MoUD after the Delhi Metro was appointed as a consultant in the Kochi Metro Rail Project. Since the Kerala government insisted on having DMRC as a consultant, the Centre allowed DMRC to serve as a project consultant and prepare a detailed project report for the Kochi Metro. Delhi Metro is also acting as the consultant for all major Metro projects in the country including those in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. It is also carrying out the construction work

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