G.O.Ms.No.148, Chennai Metro Rail Project, Constitution of a High Power Committee

What this Government Order is

Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (S.I) Department, Government of Tamil Nadu issued G.O.Ms.No.148 dated 20.11.2009 to constitute a High Power Committee (HPC) for the Chennai Metro Rail Project. The Government states that this High Power Committee is constituted in lieu of the existing Metro Rail Project Committee, to take expeditious decisions on issues that may arise during implementation.

Who it affects

This Government Order mainly affects:

• Chennai Metro Rail Limited and State Government directors on its Board (who participate as Special Invitees).
• State Secretariat departments and their Secretaries, when Chennai Metro Rail Project matters are placed before the High Power Committee.
• Heads of Departments, State Public Sector Undertakings and Statutory Boards, when invited for effective disposal of work.
• Property owners and occupiers only to the extent that project decisions may involve land acquisition, shifting of structures, or rehabilitation of project affected persons.

Composition of the High Power Committee

The High Power Committee is chaired by the Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu. Members include:

• Secretary dealing with the subject of Metro Rail Project (Member Convener)
• Secretary, Finance
• Secretary, Housing and Urban Development
• Secretary, Transport
• Secretary, Municipal Administration and Water Supply
• Secretary, Highways and Minor Ports
• Secretary, Revenue
• Secretaries concerned (as members when their department’s subject is placed before the committee)

What the High Power Committee will decide or recommend

The High Power Committee shall consider and take decisions and or make recommendations to the State and Central Governments and connected organisations on issues connected with the Chennai Metro Rail Project, including:

• Land acquisition
• Alienation of Government land (including Central Government land where applicable)
• Diversion of utilities
• Shifting of structures in the project alignment
• Rehabilitation of project affected persons
• Inter-departmental and inter-agency co-ordination
• Clearances from regulatory agencies
• Any other matters requiring orders of Government or warranting the intervention of the Committee

Powers and procedure

• The High Power Committee can take final decisions on matters that do not require circulation under the Tamil Nadu Government Business Rules.
• For other matters, the High Power Committee’s deliberations and decisions replace the usual Secretariat department consultation procedure required under the Business Rules and form the basis of circulation.
• The High Power Committee shall meet as often as required for effective disposal of business.