Namma Metro on fast track

Namma Metro on fast track
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The much talked about Bangalore Metro rail project is, quietly and unobtrusively, moving in the fast track mode as far as paper work and technical specifications are concerned. Though Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had announced that actual ground work would begin from February 3, sources say that it was merely a tentative date.

However, via duct consultants Navayuga Engineering Company have begun mobilising labour and identifying labour camps. They have also begun grouping together machinery.

Speaking to this website’s newspaper, BMRCL Managing Director V Madhu said that quarries and sand sources were being identified. The actual ground work would begin by early March.

Under Reach I of the project, the 7-km stretch would be developed from Byappanahalli to Cricket Stadium. The first casualty of the works would be the trees lining the boulevard on M G Road.

Madhu said that permission had been given by Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) and the trees would be cut “any day”. However, he said, “Small trees that will grow about 5.5 feet tall will be planted underneath the via duct and landscaping will be done.”

Madhu said traffic would not be affected from Anil Kumble Circle to the entrance of Brigade Road. But traffic would be affected from Brigade Road entrance to Trinity Circle.

BMRCL also plans to extend the rail track from Yelahanka to Hessarghatta Cross and from R V Road to Banashankari for traffic integration though the proposal is pending approval by the State and Central Governments. Soil testing is more or less complete along the routes while the permission to use land owned by the Defence Ministry for the casting yard is expected next week.

The tenders for general consultants are being examined and are expected to be finalised by early April. Rehabilitation packages will be offered to the public by the end of the month. With this, the project seems to have finally begun to run on track.