Metro chugs on a slow track

Metro chugs on a slow track
DH News Service, Bangalore:
Admitting that there has been a delay in Rs 6395 crore 'Namma Metro' mass transport project, the new managing director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) N Sivasailam said the project is nine months behind schedule.

Addressing industry and trade representatives at a presentation on the project at the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry here on Tuesday, Mr Sivasailam said, “It is a matter of concern. The apprehension on slowing down of the project on the ground is understandable. Out of the 151 milestones identified, we have completed 33, while 23 are under progress and 4 are yet to be achieved. We are confident of completing it,” he said.

The Namma Metro chief, speaking on the rather slow pace of work on MG Road and other stretches of the project, added that legal issues and opposition to the project alignment has come in the way of its speedy progress.

Financial bids
BMRCL is at present in the process of evaluation of financial bids for tenders of rolling stock.

This would be finalised soon. There is a provision of 5 percent due to escalation costs made while the funding structure was prepared. Funds shortage due to rise in prices will not come in the way of the project slowing down Mr Sivasailam explained.

Replying to a query on acquisition of property, the Namma Metro chief added that though all properties have been notified for acquisition, demolition of private properties is yet to begin. Mr Sivasailam further said the BMRC would consider the more stretches of the project to go underground in phase 2.

“It is not possible in phase 1. Going undergrou-nd will be two and a half times costlier,” he said.

C Jayaram, the environment officer of BMRCL said that IISc has submitted a report that underground stretch of metro would not affect ground water, and stated that it would not be a hindrance to the project.

“Ground water identified was found to be that of drinking and sewage pipes of the BWSSB and will not come in the way of the project itself,” he said.

The project schedule
*Byappanahaalli to Cricket Stadium: December 2011
*Yeshwantpur to Swastik: June 2011
*Underground Section: September 2011
*City Station to Mysore Road: October 2011
*City Market to R V Road: December 2011

Milestones to be achieved
*Award work of construction of apartments for rehabilitation
*Award construction of package 2 works for Byappanahalli Metro Depot
*Award package 3 for stations in Reach 1
*Award road widening works in Reach 4