Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd., (BMRCL) has put the process of executing Namma Metro Phase 2 on fast track after the project was cleared by the Union Cabinet on Thursday. BMRCL, having learnt many a lesson during the execution of Namma Metro Phase 1, has vouched to bear them in mind so as complete the project on time.
Unlike Namma Metro Phase 1, which is being executed in the heart of the city, Phase 2 covering mostly the suburbs, would pose lesser hurdles, BMRCL authorities believe. Thus, there would be lesser hurdles for land acquisition, shifting of utilities, traffic diversion and the like.
Designing of the viaduct, stations and depots is in the final stage, according to BMRCL managing director Pradeep Singh Kharola. Consultants to prepare the detailed designs have been appointed. And, tenders for some stretches are being prepared and would be finalised once the designs are approved, Mr. Kharola added.
As shifting of utilities, underground as well as overhead, is one of the major preliminary tasks, mapping of the same is under progress. However, the exact quantum and location of underground utilities would be known only after barricading the alignment of the network, Mr. Kharola said.
Meanwhile, BMRCL has already completed the geotechnical survey to assess the bearing capacity of the land on the alignment.
Land acquisitionBMRCL is also going ahead with the land acquisition for the project and has estimated that about 200 hectares of land is required for the project, including viaducts, underground stations and three depots. The depots are proposed at Hebbagodi on the R.V. Road-Bommasandra new line, Gottigere on Gottigere-Nagawara new line and Kengeri on the western extension of the East-West line.
Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), which is acquiring land for BMRCL, has issued preliminary notifications for about 36 hectares of land for the western extension, part of the eastern extension and three stations on the R.V. Road-Bommasandra new line.
