Metro work to begin in Aug

Metro work to begin in Aug
Deccan Herald

The foundation may have been laid by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday, but do not expect the Bangalore Metro barricades and trenching work to begin on Monday itself.

A “month and a week” is the time given by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) Managing Director V Madhu to begin civil works. “We had called for tenders regarding shifting of public utilities, design of Byapannahalli depot and stations. The process of selecting tenders is still on and will be concluded in a month’s time. We will be ready to begin works by August,” Madhu said.

The works, mainly related to utility shifting (such as power, telephone cables), will be undertaken on undisputed stretches. Work on the 7 km elevated stretch will begin on M G Road on the one end and Byapannahalli on the other. It will leave out CMH Road and 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar, where the issue of realignment is still awaiting the government’s decision.

The extension of Bangalore Metro’s route to peripheral areas, including the Devanahalli International Airport and Electronic City, seems unlikely.

Madhu said they are awaiting the recommendations of the Comprehensive Traffic and Transport Survey that is expected to be submitted next month, before deciding on the future routes. “Metro can be introduced in only those areas where the Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic (PHPDT) is above 25,000 passengers. . We have to run the metro on high density corridors”.

PRESENT STATUS

Interim consultants for 7 kms elevated stretch appointed.

All utilities in 7 kms stretch have been identified; tenders for utility (cable lines) shifting have been issued.

Work on final location survey for balance 26 kms has been started by RITES.

Additional geotechnical survey is under progress.

Private land acquisition under progress.

Shortlisting of general consultants is on .

Selection of detailed design consultants for stations and depot to be appointed.