New Delhi, Aug 31 - The Delhi government Monday sanctioned Rs.3 crore for the Delhi Metro to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) on the third phase of the Metro that will cover a route of nearly 85 km.

'In all, Rs.60 million (Rs.6 crore) would be required for the preparation of the DPR. It would be equally shared by the Delhi and the central government(s),' an official spokesman said.

The city government in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit sanctioned Rs.3 crore as its share, the spokesman said.

The DPR will ascertain the finer details of the project execution, its benefits and the estimated cost.

The Metro became operational in the national capital in December 2002 and since then it has emerged as one of the most popular and reliable mode of transportation in the city.

Over 850,000 people commute on the Delhi Metro's three routes that run between southwest, east, north and central Delhi presently.

--Indo-Asian News service

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