Raipur Metro Project Faces Controversy

Raipur, Chhattisgarh – The proposed Russian light metro project in Chhattisgarh is facing significant scrutiny even before its official launch. Former Minister and BJP leader, Rajesh Munat, has publicly criticized Mayor Ejaz Dhebar's recent trip to Russia, labeling it a personal endeavor rather than an official government-sanctioned visit. Munat accused Dhebar of misleading the public and suggested that the trip was a political maneuver aimed at swaying voters ahead of the upcoming civic body elections. During his visit to Russia, Mayor Dhebar announced the light metro project and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russian authorities, claiming it would utilize Russian technology for a transit system between Raipur and Durg. The MoU was reportedly signed at an international transport meeting in Moscow, attended by both the Mayor of Moscow and the Russian Transport Minister. Dhebar indicated that Russian experts would soon visit Raipur to discuss the project further, including the feasibility of electric city buses and skywalks. However, Munat has raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the MoU, asserting that it was signed without the necessary approval from a central government committee. He emphasized that any agreement made during what he termed a personal trip would lack legal standing in India. Munat also questioned the transparency of the MoU, highlighting the absence of details regarding funding and technology transfer. As the controversy unfolds, the future of the light metro project remains uncertain. Mayor Dhebar is expected to return to Raipur in the next few days, potentially shedding more light on the contentious situation.