JOIN USRITES tasked with preparing DPR for Metro Phase III
The 133-km phase will cover hitherto unconnected areas of Koramangala, Sarjapur, HAL
Namma Metro is set for another network boost. Buoyed by the Centre’s recent clearance of Namma Metro Phase-II, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has begun the spadework for a 133-km Phase III.
The Corportation has awarded engineering consultancy firm, RITES the contract for a detailed project report (DPR) for the 33-km line from Central Silk Board to Hebbal, one of the five routes proposed under the new phase.
A high-power committee constituted by the State government had already approved a pre-feasibility study on the network in June last year.
The four other routes will connect Nagawara and Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) by a 25-km line; Hosakerehalli and Outer Ring Road near Marathahalli through Old Airport road (23 km); Sarjapur Layout (station, Carmelaram) and Yelahanka (station, Kogilu Road Cross) by a 35-km line passing through Central College, Palace Guttahalli, Mekhri Circle and Hebbal; and a 17-km line from the Nice Ring Road to Toll Gate via Magadi Road. Gollarahatti on Nice Road and Vijayanagar are likely to be the two stations on either edges of this line.
The Central Silk Board - Hebbal line will cover vast stretches of the Outer Ring Road, linking areas such as Sarjapur road, Marathahalli and Mahadevapura. The Hosakerehalli - ORR link will effectively connect Marathahalli, Manipal Hospital junction, HAL Main Gate and other areas along Old Airport road, which were hitherto outside the Metro network. The Nagawara-KIA airport link is part of the Phase-2A of the project.
Although KIA’s Terminal-2 has made provisions for Metro connectivity, a final picture is yet to emerge on this critical line. The airport connection was earlier part of the High-Speed Rail Link (HSRL) project.
The 42.3-km Phase I, 72-km Phase II and 133-km Phase III are expected to considerably boost the City’s Metro grid. The third phase may take several years for completion. But it will bring vast stretches of the City such as Koramangala, Sarjapur, HRBR Layout and Magadi road under the Namma Metro network.
Feasibility studies
As part of its DPR and feasibility report, RITES has been tasked with undertaking a detailed geo-technical investigation along the identified corridors of Phase-III, BMRCL sources told Deccan Herald.
The agency will carry out soil investigations at every 200 meters for elevated stretch and 100 meters for underground stretch. RITES will also do detailed traffic survey projections for traffic demand for the year of commissioning and horizon years.
In its environment impact assessment report, RITES will measure the project’s effect on air, noise and water pollution. The number of trees to be cut / trimmed and displacement of the people along the corridor will be worked out. Cost estimates will be prepared based on prevailing market rates / accepted rates of Metro Phase-II, with suitable price escalation.