Metro's north-south line takes shape, Kaveri TBM roars on

BENGALURU: The underground tunneling of Namma Metro’s north-south line undoubtedly, has been the toughest battle for Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) undertaking the project. But it seems the tough days are over as Kaveri Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) drilling from Chickpet towards Majestic, might achieve a breakthrough on Wednesday.

Kaveri had to face difficult geological conditions which invariably slowed down the pace of its drilling and affected timely completion of Phase 1. Besides, it had to pass through a thickly populated area like Chickpet that housed buildings which are 40-50 year old and are in a dilapidated condition and hence the tunneling was done with great caution and care.

In fact, last year in November, when Kaveri was drilling in Balepet, some buildings developed cracks and people residing in these buildings were shifted to a different place immediately. That was not all; Kaveri also encountered intermediate soil which is mixed soil. The issue here was that the top layer of soil was very soft which made the situation even worse. A BMRCL official said, “If things go as planned we should have a breakthrough in a couple of days.”

This breakthrough also means that the south line from National College to Puttenahalli can be thrown open soon. The BMRC plans to push a train just like it did through Minsk Square and start a trial run towards National College. Also, the south line which has been ready for a while, can now be commercially exploited.

Meanwhile Krishna TBM which has been following Kaveri, has completed 571.5 metres and is 254 metres away from a breakthrough.