Metro Rail work on schedule

Metro Rail work on schedule
Leena Mudbidri tracks the progress of Bangalore’s Metro Rail project which is on schedule


The much-awaited Metro Rail project has taken off on schedule and a lot has been happening on the Reach One progress map. From land acquisition and rehabilitation plans to tendering stations works, utilities shifting and tree transplanting, the project seems to be well on schedule. As a top official of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) pointed out, "We are bent on maintaining a strict schedule so that the works are completed well on time."
Stations status
According to the official, tenders for detailed design consultancy for six stations - M G Road, Trinity Circle, Ulsoor, CMH Road, Old Madras Road and Byapanahalli - have already been floated and the opening of tenders would be completed by mid-July 2007.
The conceptual plan has been finalised and the structural design of stations has just been started. Presentation of alternatives for architectural elevation for the stations has been made by RITES. Six architects have submitted the architectural plans and elevations which have been accepted by BMRCL. Work on the structural designs for the new architectural plans and elevations are being taken up by RITES. Tender documents for the three packages for six stations will be finalised after the tender design and drawings for various stations are completed taking into account the approved architectural drawings which are expected by September/October 2007.
Coaches
Global prequalification applications have been called for 'design, manufacture, supply, testing and commissioning of passenger rolling stock' for 117 coaches. The last date for receipt of applications is July 28.
Utilities shifting:
BESCOM – Cable
laying work
Work on the stretch from Anil Kumble Circle to Gowthampura Road Cross and the left hand side stretch between Gowthampura Road Cross and Ulsoor Police Station has been completed. Rest of the work on the opposite side will be taken up after land acquisition.
Work on the Trinity Circle to Gowthampura Road Cross stretch has been completed as also the junction of S.V. Road to the right hand side of the burial ground. The balance work will be taken up and completed after land acquisition.
The stretch from S V Road and CMH Road junction and the left hand side of the burial ground has been completed.
Work on both sides of the Burial Ground - Double Road stretch has been completed and the commissioning of the cutting and joining of lines is under progress.
Work on both sides of Double Road to Arya Samaj has been completed and commissioning of the line works is in progress.
Work on Arya Samaj-100 Feet Road and Arya Samaj-100 Feet Road Cross has been partially completed and the balance work will be taken up after land acquisition.
Work on the Binnamangale Road-100 Feet Road-Old Madras Road stretch has been completed while work on the 100 Feet Road-Old Madras Road-80 Feet Road sector has been completed partially. Balance of the work will be taken up after land acquisition.
BWSSB
Underground drainage works on CMH Road has been completed as also the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) work for laying of drain pipes. The restoration of water supply, HDD crossing of drain and connections on CMH Road would be completed by this month end. Work on diversion of water pipes on Old Madras Road have been completed and commissioned.
BSNL
Work has been completed and commissioned on the stretch from Anil Kumble Circle to Trinity Circle as well as from burial ground and Double Road on CMH Road.
35 percent of the work on the Trinity Circle - Ulsoor Police Station has been completed
On the 100 Feet Road - Old Madras Road junction and 80 Feet Road - Old Madras Road junction, work has been completed and commissioned.
Tree relocation
As part of the afforestation drive, this season alone 15,000 planted saplings are being nurtured. A total of nine trees on M G Road, next to the parade grounds, have been transplanted under the supervision of Bangalore Environmental Trust. These transplanted trees are now sprouting new leaves too.
Viaduct construction
The work has been awarded to a Hyderabad-based construction company at a cost of Rs 138.55 crores and Letter of Acceptance has been issued on to them in January 2007. The completion period is 27 months.
Construction of
test piles
Test piles have been constructed on M G Road and at Isolation Hospital on Old Madras Road and testing arrangements, including testing platform fabrication and making of rock anchors, are in progress at both the locations. Two work piles are completed on M G Road. Boring of some more test and work piles along the entire Metro Rail route is in progress. Construction of the compound walls that were broken to facilitate work on the piers at Isolation Hospital, 515 army base workshop and MES Centre on Old Madras Road, and at the Manekshaw Parade Grounds on M G Road is in progress.