The red tape over the selection of a much-needed Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) for the populous Bangalore City has claimed an unexpected casualty. Work on several flyover and grade separator projects at several junctions and circles in the City, which have been cleared, have been put on hold as the government ponders over whether to go in for the Metro Rail or the Elevated Light Rail Transit System. Last week, Chief Minister S M Krishna had announced that a suitable MRTS - either the Metro Rail or the ELRTS - would be selected only after studying the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and feasibility reports of the two modes of transportation system. The DPR for Metro Rail will be submitted by March 31, 2003 while a similar report on the ELRTS is already with the government. The selection of a MRTS will be prior to the presentation of the State budget.