
Budget ignored Kochi, rue leaders
The Hindu
‘Lack of financial aid for metro second phase disheartening’
The absence of Central government’s patronage for the second phase of Kochi metro project in the Union Budget has left people’s representatives of Kochi unhappy.
Hibi Eden, who represents Ernakulam in the Parliament, T. J. Vinod, Ernakulam MLA, and Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar expressed their dismay over the budget speech of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on Tuesday.
The financial support for the second phase of Kochi metro rail, which was to be extended up to Kakkanad, would have served as the engine of economic growth of the city and strengthened the public transport network, said Mr. Anilkumar.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that on the lines of the farmers’ protest that compelled the Centre to withdraw farm laws, a protest would be launched with like-minded political parties and organisations representing the poor to demand repeal of the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) and restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Act (MGNREGA).












