Japan shows interest in funding Lucknow metro

Japan's financial institution, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has shown interest in funding the upcoming metro project in Lucknow. The agency was also interested in offering financial assistance in Lucknow-Agra expressway project.

The officials from Japan's agency had a meeting with chief secretary, Jawed Usmani on Monday for discussing the drinking water project in Agra. JICA's officials offered help to fund other projects in UP too. Usmani said that if JICA gives a formal proposal on funding the metro and expressway project, the state government can consider the implementation of these projects. Prior to this, even World Bank has given assurance to the state government for financial assistance for these projects.

Both projects require around Rs 12 crore. The projects have been in the pipeline for years as the government is unable to fund these on its own. Some sort of relief is also expected from the central government but nothing concrete has come out so far. In such a situation, JICA's assurance can bring some relief to UP government to fulfil its dream project.

For the Lucknow-Agra expressway project, the developer has to be selected. Around 15 odd firms have shown interest in this project. Their queries have been answered and now they have to formally apply for it. For further planning, the chief secretary would soon hold a meeting with the officials of industrial development department.

There is also a proposal to fund the metro project through proposed developments on Chak Gajaria farms.