Chandigarh, Karnataka, Andhra keen on project Keen to spread the network of Metro rail across the country, the Centre has decided to enact a law aimed at addressing the legal hurdles in such an endeavour. The Bill to amend the Delhi Metro Operation and Maintenance Act, 2002, will be introduced in Parliament in the current session so that it could be passed and the move gets implemented fast. "The draft of the Metro Rail Amendment Bill, 2008, is ready and awaiting Cabinet approval. Once it is approved by the Cabinet, it will be introduced in the Lok Sabha in the ongoing Budget session,' a senior official in the Urban Development Ministry told PTI. The government decided to effect the amendment after witnessing legal hurdles while extending the Delhi Metro Rail to Noida and Gurgaon in the absence of a central legislation. "The enactment of a central legislation is required to provide legislative backup to all Metro operations in the country,' the official said, adding "it will be a smooth operation once a central law is enacted.' So far, states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh have shown interest in having Metro rail system. Previously, barring the Calcutta Metro Act, 1978, which was extended to New Delhi for the construction of Delhi Metro, no state had enacted any law for rail-based transport system. Later, the government enacted the Delhi Metro Operation and Maintenance Act, 2003, for regulating the work of the Metro in the Capital. Since the government is opening up for private players to invest in Metro system, the Act is essential to provide protection to them. It would provide legislative support for the construction, operation and maintenance of the system in cities. While the Delhi Metro pattern is to be replicated in Banglore, Chandigarh and Chennai, the government may allow private investment in Hyderabad and Mumbai. The Act will empower the Metro rail administration to do anything that may be necessary for the train system's operations. There are provisions in the proposed Act empowering the authorities to remove obstruction for smooth movement of rolling stock and passengers. Besides Metro rail, a few states are also keen to have sky train, Monorail and also for light rail on an elevated track. States have been given freedom to choose any mode of mass rapid transport system depending upon the feasibility. However, the Centre has to ensure the safety of all rail-based transport system.