Metro Rail phase II to have more corridors

Metro Rail phase II to have more corridors
Bangalore, DHNS:


The Comprehensive Traffic and Transportation Survey (CTTS) prepared by RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Services) has suggested extending ‘Namma Metro’ to Hebbal, Central Silk Board, Electronic City and Whitefield in phase two of the project.

Announcing this at a presentation on ‘Progress of Bangalore Metro Rail’ organised by the Institution of Engineers, Mr B S Sudhir Chandra, Director (Projects and Planning) Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) said, the CTTS report submitted to the government has suggested extension of the project for it to be viable.

“Phase one from cricket stadium to Byappanhalli is not an end in itself. The second phase would include having a MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) including mono-rail, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) supporting the metro as a feeder on a PPP (Public-Private- Partnership) model as in other cities,” Mr Chandra said.

BMRCL has also increased the corridor from Yeshwantpur to Hesaraghatta Cross and from R V Road Terminus to Kanakapura Road Cross.

The first trial run of the Metro Rail will be in September 2009, with state-of-the-art stainless steel coaches (2.9 metre wide) capable of carrying 356 passengers, said Mr Chandra. “General Consultants will suggest on the best consortium to be selected that would manufacture the coaches. Bids from global firms have been received,” he added.

Extending the metro up to Devanahalli is not feasible due to fewer stations leading to increased fares. A dedicated link such as a high-speed rail is a better option, Mr Chandra explained.

Underground tunnels of the metro will have evacuation pathways which can be used as emergency get-away exit points. After disbursement of compensation and property acquisition, dismantling of buildings on the alignment will begin by December 15, Mr Chandra said.