Cabinet Approves Three New Metro Corridors, Boosting Central Vista Connectivity

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct. DMRC is indeed a 50:50 joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of NCT of Delhi. Statement 2 is incorrect. Metro rail projects in India are primarily governed by the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002, and the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978 has been largely superseded or amended by subsequent legislation for modern metro systems. The key act for construction is the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978, but it has been significantly updated and supplemented by the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002, and subsequent amendments. The 1978 act itself is specifically for construction. However, the primary governing acts for *modern* metro systems are the 2002 Act and the Metro Rail (Construction of Works) Act, 1978, as amended. The phrasing 'primarily governed by' implies a single, overarching act, which isn't entirely accurate for the complex legal framework. More precisely, the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978 and the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002 are the key central acts. Given the options, and the fact that the 1978 act is still relevant for construction, but the 2002 act is crucial for operation and maintenance, this statement is tricky. However, the 2002 act is more comprehensive for modern metro systems. Let's re-evaluate. The 1978 Act is indeed for construction. But 'primarily governed by' might be misleading if it implies it's the *only* or *most important* act. The 2002 Act is equally, if not more, important for the overall functioning. For UPSC, this distinction is crucial. Let's assume the question implies the *legal framework* for metro projects. The 1978 act is a part of it, but not the sole primary one. The Metro Rail Policy 2017 also plays a significant role. Given the ambiguity, let's consider it incorrect in the sense of being the *sole* primary governing act. Statement 3 is correct. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (Part IXA) provides for the constitution of Metropolitan Planning Committees (MPCs) in metropolitan areas to prepare draft development plans, which include planning for infrastructure like transport. Therefore, 1 and 3 are correct.

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct. The Central Vista Redevelopment Project indeed includes the construction of a new Parliament House, a common Central Secretariat, and the redevelopment of Rajpath (now Kartavya Path) among other facilities. Statement 2 is correct. The project is being executed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) as the executing agency. Statement 3 is correct. As per the news, the new metro corridors are crucial for connecting the Central Vista project area and easing commute for government employees working in the new Kartavya Bhawans, linking them to existing administrative and residential hubs. Therefore, all statements are correct.

Answer: C

Option A is incorrect. While the Union Government contributes significantly, it's not entirely funded by them. Option B is incorrect. While PPPs are encouraged, many metro projects, especially DMRC, have a significant government equity component and multilateral loans. Option C is correct. The typical funding model for metro projects like DMRC involves equity contributions from both the Central and State Governments (often 50:50), loans from multilateral agencies (e.g., JICA, World Bank, ADB), and sometimes additional revenue generation through land monetization, commercial development, or value capture financing. This mixed model ensures financial viability and shared responsibility. Option D is incorrect. State Governments are key stakeholders but rarely fund such massive projects exclusively; central government support and external loans are almost always involved.