BMRCL calls fresh bids for two subways on Tumakuru Road

Not giving up on the delayed subways at the Nagasandra and Dasarahalli metro stations, the BMRCL has invited tenders a second time at a cost of Rs 12.13 crore, after cancelling the previous bids about two months ago.

Following criticism over the lack of safe access to metro stations at Nagasandra and Jalahalli, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited had called tenders in September to build two subways.

But the high quotations forced the corporation to call it off. It was not clear how much the quotations exceeded the Rs 11.12-crore estimated cost for the two subways. Officials merely said the quotations were "discouraging".

The BMRCL has fixed July 16 as the last date for submission of bids and opening them. Officials said they hoped to get a realistic offer in their latest effort.

"There were several hurdles as permission had to be obtained from the National Highways Authority of India to take up work on the road. We have got the necessary permission and if we get a good offer, things will go smooth," an official said.

The construction would take at least one-and-a half-years to complete, if everything goes as per the plan.

The BMRCL had proposed a similar subway at the Jalahalli metro station, but withdrew it after the government planned to build an underpass at Jalahalli Cross.