Lucknow, May 14 (IANS): The Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA) has offered the Uttar Pradesh government financial assistance for the Metro rail project and a host of other projects, including the Agra-Lucknow expressway, officials said Tuesday.

JICA sought details of the projects at a meeting with Chief Secretary Jawed Usmani Monday.

The World Bank has already expressed its willingness to give funding for the Lucknow Metro rail and Agra-Lucknow expressway projects. Both these projects require funding of Rs.12,000 crore each.

Officials said the central government has also assured financial assistance for the projects, but offers of assistance from JICA and the World Bank have come as a big relief for the state government.

So far, 15 companies have showed interest in the Agra-Lucknow expressway project. The state government is likely to finalise a developer for the ambitious project soon, an official said.

The Metro rail project also has been expedited with the state housing department giving final shape to the route it will take in the state capital Lucknow. Officials of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have already inspected the route.