Kolkata: Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has hit back at Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee. He skipped the banquet hosted by Governor MK Narayanan in honour of President Pratibha Patil. His office gave the excuse that the Chief Minister missed the do because of another engagement.
Earlier on Wednesday Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee had snubbed West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee by not inviting him for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new metro railway project in Kolkata. President Prathiba Patil had inaugurated the new project.
Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee along with many leaders of Trinamool Congress was also present at the inauguration. But not a single representative of the West Bengal government was present.
President Patil said that mass transport had become a necessity to avoid congestion and pollution.
"As the population grows, it is essential to have mass transport and transit systems that facilitate movement within city. In their absence city dwellers would depend on private transportation leading to congestion, pollution and more fuel consumption," Patil said.
The 17-km stretch to be built at an estimated cost of over Rs 2600 crore will connect Joka in South 24 Parganas district to BBD Bag, the central business district of the metropolis, and help in decongesting the Diamond Harbour Road.
"I am also optimistic that a project such as this which is sensitive to the concerns of the local people will be completed in time and be a source of pride for all," she said.
The new metro line will have 13 stations and a combination of elevated and underground tracks.
Earlier, speaking on the occasion the Railway Minister said the project would be completed before schedule.
"Just like Madam President has reached here 10 minutes before schedule, I assure you that the project will also be completed before deadline," she said.
The project will be implemented by public sector undertaking Rail Vikas Nigam Limited.
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