Technical bids for laying metro tracks opened

Technical bids for laying metro tracks opened

The Hindu

They will be scrutinised in 10 days; opening of financial bids later

# Work for Reach 1 likely to be awarded by the end of December
# P.S.S. Thomas Committee begins inspection of property

BANGALORE: Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation took another step forward in implementing the Rs. 6,400-crore project when on Thursday it opened technical bids of six entities for the construction of elevated tracks and stations in Reach 1.

The seven-km stretch from the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to Byappanahalli is known as Reach 1. BMRC managing director V. Madhu told The Hindu that of the 12 entities (10 consortia and two companies) invited to bid, six had submitted their technical proposals and financial quotes for Reach 1. The technical proposals were opened at 4 p.m.

Mr. Madhu said the technical bids would be scrutinised over the next 10 days. The financial bids of selected entities would be opened later. He said the BMRC board would have to approve final selection. He said by the end of December, BMRC was likely to award the work, which would begin in January.

Reach 1 is part of the East-West Corridor (from Mysore Road to Byappanahalli). This stretch is expected to cost Rs. 110 crore. The other corridor is from Yeshwanthpur to R.V. Road.

Inspection

The P.S.S. Thomas Committee, constituted to fix the market prices of properties on select areas, on Thursday began the inspection of properties. The BMRC had received 75 representations demanding a fair market value. The committee is expected to submit its final report by January 7.

Meanwhile, a few traders led by the former MLA Pramila Nesargi gathered near the site where the work of shifting underground cables was progressing on Indiranagar 100-Foot Road. The police reportedly outnumbered them.

They dispersed peacefully. The work remained unaffected, the police said.

Mr. Madhu said work on C.M.H. Road too would begin in a couple of days. BMRC was carrying on the work in Indiranagar under police protection. BMRC surveyors were forced to stop work by angry traders over a week ago. The traders have been demanding change in the alignment of the metro.