The Delhi government had expressed its inability to contribute funds for the common project
New Delhi:
The Supreme Court on Monday berated the Delhi government for “throwing its hands up” over contributing its share towards the two Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors to Alwar and Panipat, and directed it to provide Rs 415 crore for the project within two months.
Background
- The Delhi government had expressed its inability to contribute funds for the RRTS project
- The top court had directed the Delhi government to place on record funds spent on advertisements in the last three years
Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court noted that the Delhi government has spent Rs 1,100 crore on advertisements in the last three years, and criticized the government for not contributing to infrastructure projects while spending such a large amount on advertising.
The court remarked, “Your one year advertising budget is more than what you are giving for the project. We were constrained to pass the last order only on account of the NCT government throwing its hands (up) to contribute to the project.”
The court directed the Delhi government to provide Rs 415 crore for the RRTS project within two months.
Delhi Government’s Response
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the Delhi government, informed the top court about the budgetary allocation made towards advertisements in the last three years. Singhvi assured the bench that payment will be made towards the project but requested for the contribution to be allowed in instalments spread over a reasonable period of time.
About the RRTS Project
The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project consists of semi-high speed rail corridors connecting Delhi to Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Alwar in Rajasthan, and Panipat in Haryana. The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is executing the project, which is a joint venture between the Centre and the states concerned.
The Delhi-Meerut project is already under construction, and the Delhi government has agreed to pay its share of the costs. However, the government has refused to share the financial burden for the remaining two stretches, citing a paucity of funds.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi government to provide Rs 415 crore for the RRTS project within two months. The court criticized the government for spending a large amount on advertising while refusing to contribute to infrastructure projects. The RRTS project aims to improve connectivity between Delhi and neighboring states.
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