IN a major boost to the Mumbai Metro rail project, the Central Government has sanctioned Rs 4,500 as a viability gap funding for the project that is estimated to cost Rs 22,000 crore. Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy made an announcement to the effect on Wednesday. "Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh had requested for funds from the Centre. The Centre is sanctioning Rs 4,500 crore as viability gap funding for the Mumbai Metro Rail Project (MMRP)," Reddy, who was in the city to attend Sant Gadgebaba Rural Cleanliness Campaign Award functions, said.