Metro rail could go as far as BIA

Metro rail could go as far as BIA


Express News Service
12 Sep 2008 04:05:00 AM IST

BANGALORE: The government is toying with an idea to extend metro rail services up to the Bengaluru International Airport by making certain changes in the existing alignment.

As per the proposed plan, metro rail will be extended from Bayappanahally Railway Station to Yelahanka and from there to the Airport.

K V Raju, Economic Advisor to Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, is said to have mooted the idea as it would be cost-effective as well as help decongest traffic by transporting a huge number of people travelling towards the airport and nearby places.

The Chief Minister has directed the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) officials to submit a report on extending the alignment of the metro line from Bayappanahally to the BIA.

According to an estimate, the extension of metro rail would save the exchequer Rs 1,500 crore as against the whooping Rs 3,500 crore for the hi-speed train in addition to the cost for acquiring additional lands for the project.

Briefing the media after a review meeting of the metro rail works on Thursday, the Chief Minister said that this option too had to be explored and a study would establish the feasibility of the extension.

Yeddyurappa strictly told the officials that the Metro projects should be completed on schedule. Tenders for projects coming under Phase–I would be called within two months and the actual work is set to begin in 2010.

There are five components under Phase-I: Reach I - from Bayappanahally to M G Road; Reach II - from MG Road to Majestic; Reach III - from Majestic to Vijayanagara; Reach IV - from Jayanagar to Majestic and Reach V - from Majestic to Malleshwaram.