The Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia has indicated that the approval for the Kochi Metro Rail project from the central government in expected to come soon.

He was speaking after ting the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's work site at Manappatiparambu Ground. After reviewing the work to widen the North overbridge and construction of new overbridge linking Salim Rajan Road with MG Road, he said that he was satisfied with the progress of work.

The DMRC had earlier said that it is ready to begin the civil works for the Kochi Metro. Mr. Ahluwalia said that he encourages public-private partnership scheme for the project.

"In implementing schemes, we support experimenting with private stakeholders. But this is not necessary for all projects since State Governments have the last word on choosing the mode of implementing them," he said.

The State Government and the Union Urban Affairs Ministry was against the private participation to avoid cost escalation. Kerala government and the Urban Affairs Ministry recommended building Kochi Metro as a Centre-State joint venture scheme. However, planning Commission recommended the public-private partnership scheme for the project.

Mr. Ahluwalia citied the example of Cochin International Airport for a successful project implemented with public-private partnership.