Delhi Metro wasn't operating under any pressure, says Jaipal Reddy

New Delhi, July 13 (ANI): Union Minister for Urban Development Jaipal Reddy on Monday refuted accusations that the metro rail mishap was a result of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) pushing to complete the rail project ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2010 deadline.

Speaking in Parliament, Reddy said the Delhi Metro wasn't operating under any pressure to meet the deadline.

He further said the Government was not averse to a judicial inquiry into the mishap, but would await report of committee of experts set up by DMRC.

"A high level committee of independent experts has been constituted to submit a report within 10 days. We will take a view after that. As for accidents, I must say any accident is unfortunate, any loss of life is unfortunate," he added.

Defending the Delhi Metro, Reddy said the DMRC's safety record has been better than that of the UK and Singapore Metros.

He also announced an ex-gratia payment to the bereaved families of the workers and compensation for injured. (ANI)