With Delhi Metro accidents fresh in memory, BMRC inspects its work

With Delhi Metro accidents fresh in memory, BMRC inspects its work

TIMES NEWS NETWORK


Bangalore: After disaster struck Delhi Metro on Sunday, Bangalore Metro authorities are taking no chance. They are busy inspecting the project and are leaving no stone unturned.
“There’ll be no change in deadline, no shortcut and no compromise on quality. The first Metro train on Reach 1 will be on the track in December 2010. Work on assembling segments on tall and curved piers will be done with care,” explained BMRC MD Sivasailam at a public meeting on Wednesday.
C V Raman Nagar MLA S Raghu, who accompanied Sivasailam, was more than cautious. “We had planned an inspection before the Metro incidents in New Delhi unfolded. It’s just that the tragedies coincide with our
planned inspection,” Raghu said.
“The public’s concern now is safety, even if it means a delay by six months. The project will be worth the long wait,” he added.
With the ‘operations control centre’ building in Byappanahalli progressing ahead of schedule, it’s expected to be ready by March 2009. Authorities hope to use the centre with the first Metro train.
ALL’S WELL IN REACH 1?
Progress on this 8-km elevated stretch, including piling work, is expected to reach 55% to 60% by July-end. Presently, work on less than 30 piles is pending on this stretch. “Also, work on piers will be completed by September or October,” Sivasailam said. Progress on pier caps is ideal and work may be completed by November.
“The launch of the segment will be extended to July 2010.”
Civil work will soon follow all system work, and the first Metro coaches are expected to arrive in mid-October. They will have to be certified by the railways before use. Safety is being given top priority due to complexity and size of the project.
PUBLIC PROBLEMS AT METRO SITE
Citizens had a lot to ask to Metro authorities. Their woes were unending. Raghu, who inspected a few sites on reach 1 along with BMRC officials, had to explain many things. Some of the worst hit areas are CMH Road, Indiranagar 100 Feet Road, Old Madras Road and Byappanahalli. The woes mainly comprised bad and damaged roads, missing barricades, damaged bus shelters and broken drainage lines. Lack of coordination among various civic agencies is a major problem plaguing the Metro Project. “We’re jointly working to solve these issues along the Metro stretch. There were of many problems six months ago, but not now. We have solved some,” Sivasailam said.
TALLEST PIERS HERE
Much of the problems here were due to 15-metre-tall piers — the tallest on the entire Metro track. “Nearby roads are not broad enough to support the work. All issues will be taken up by BMRC,” Sivasailam added.
BMRC officials and Raghu assured residents on Krishnaiana Palya Main Road that the road won’t get blocked. This road is the only approach to the residential area.
“We’ll integrate the work done by BBMP on this road soon.”
GOING UNDERGROUND
On progress made in the underground Metro station near Vidhana Soudha, a BMRC spokesperson said it has started preliminary work on the diversion roads. “The actual underground station work will begin by mid-August.”
CHUGGING ON
Progress on 8-km elevated stretch expected to reach 55% to 60% by July-end This includes piling work Work on less than 30 piles is pending on this stretch Work on piers will be completed by September or October