Hassan: Geotechnical tests currently underway have reportedly given the thumbs up for construction of the Shiradi Ghat Tunnel that will pass through the reserve forests of Sakleshpur and reduce travel time between Mangaluru and Bengaluru.
Going by the tests, the soil and rock strata along the route appear to be solid enough for the 23.5 km long tunnel-cum-overbridges project, expected to cost Rs 10,000 crore to build. Austrian firm, Geoconsult India Private Limited, which began conducting the geotechnical tests in November, is expected to complete them by January, going by sources.
Its geologists reveal the rock strata along the route of the project is made of solid granite and will offer the required stability for the tunnel.
Representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which is funding the project, have inspected the site on a couple of occasions and seem satisfied with it, according to sources. Also, the Railways will have to cooperate in building the tunnel, which is unlikely disturb the flora and fauna as feared, going by a geotechnical team member.
