RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Another $255 million is needed to complete the extension of Rio de Janeiro's metro line connecting tourist areas to the site of the 2016 Olympics, city officials said Friday.
Rio's transport secretary said that the city was waiting for a late payment this month of about $120 million from the federal budget and that then another $135 million would be needed to finish the project.
"These funds are indispensable for us to finish the work in time for the Olympics, which means in July," said the official.
The extension will reach Barra de Tijuca, the western area of the sprawling city where much of the events will be held and where the Olympic Village is located. It is considered a vital element in plans to handle the huge number of visitors.
The 2016 Olympic Games will be staged from Aug. 5 to 21 in Rio de Janeiro.