Bengaluru: Metro hobbles, no lessons learnt
BMRCL committing same mistake by beginning work on elevated link'
Bengaluru: Begun in 2006 , Phase 1 of the city’s Metro Rail project hobbled along thanks to the delay in building the underground section. Civic activists recall work on the section began after the elevated links were in place, although it takes much longer to execute. Now the BMRCL is committing the same mistake with the Gottigere- Nagawara line of Phase 2, regrets Mr Srinidhi, a member of Praaja RAAG.
“Underground sections are tougher to do as they require tunneling and land acquisition. They are also more time consuming. Yet they are again starting with the elevated stretch," he noted. While the line from Gottigere to Swagath Road is elevated, the remaining section upto Nagawara is underground.
"They could at least start on building the stations of the Gottigere-Nagawara line, especially in the UG stretch. Also, the department, which found tunneling difficult due to the rocky terrain in Phase 1 should now ensure that the soil surveys give it a good idea of the terrain,” the activist added.
Asked why work on the underground stretch was not being given priority this time too, BMRCL managing director, Pradeep Kharola explained they were starting with the elevated section first to expedite the process. “The underground section should not take time because now we will plan better and utilise resource more effectively," he assured.
Meanwhile, the BMRCL’s move to invite tenders on Thursday for demolition of properties on the underground stretch of the Metro between Swagath Road and Nagawara although the land acquisition is still incomplete, has raised many eyebrows.
But defending the move, Mr Kharola said the land acquisition was underway and by the time the tendering process was done and a contractor selected for demolition, it would be complete.
Civic activist, Narendra of the Nagarika Shakti group however believes the current government simply wants to award the contract and leave. “Tendering will take at least a year. By then the next government will have been elected," he reasoned.