Metro raps contractor for delay

Metro raps contractor for delay

DNA Correspondent. Bangalore



To enforce strictly the time schedule of the Namma Metro project, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) has decided to come down firmly on its contractors.
The Reach-3 contractor, IDEB-SUCG (Shanghai Urban Construction Group) has, despite being issued about 12 notices, delayed work on the Yeshwanthpur to Swastik stretch. This might cost the contractor the job.
"Work on construction of Reach 3 viaduct, a distance of 5.1km (excluding stations), was awarded to IDEB-SUCG. There has been a time lag of about four months— 500 piles should have been completed by now, but only 40 piles have been laid. The contractors should also have laid 39 piers and 84 pile caps by now, but that has not been done. Even segment casting has not started yet," said a senior BMRCL official, adding that only 8% of the targeted piles have been completed; the entire work, costing Rs209.57 crore might be off-loaded from the present contractor and fresh tenders called, the official said.
He said advances were made by BMRCL to the contractor towards mobilisation of equipment and material. In addition, financial assistance was also provided for engaging a sub-contractor, vendors, and suppliers. Despite all this, the contractor has fallen behind schedule. After more than 10 notices were issued, the BMRCL is now contemplating stringent action, to keep pace with the schedule that has been charted for the project's implementation.