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Free BMTC rides as Metro shuts for 2 days

Last Updated 15 December 2018, 14:11 IST

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will suspend Namma Metro services next weekend (December 22 and 23) to facilitate a detailed repair work on the faulty pier-155.

The works will be taken up during the night hours, but BMRCL may have to suspend services over the weekend, said managing director Ajay Seth.

“We need about a week’s time for the groundwork and subsequently, in two days, the repair will be completed. It is likely that Metro services will be closed on December 22 and 23. Services will be normal this weekend,” Seth said.

“We will arrange BMTC shuttle services between MG Road and Indiranagar for commuters. The ticket prices will be borne by the BMRCL,” Seth said, assuring that all operations, including train speeds, will be normal from December 24.

Pier-155 was damaged earlier also. Ajay Seth said this was not the first time that honeycombing has happened on Metro piers. The same pier had a similar fault in 2012, which was repaired then.

It appears temporary works were done then. The casting was not seated properly which was the reason why the problem recurred. But this time, no chances will be taken and all works will be permanent, Seth said.

Since more attention needs to be paid, the repair work is taking longer. Until all the works are completed, Metro trains will run at a slower speed between Trinity Circle and Byappanahalli, he said.

The trains from Byappanahalli to Trinity Circle will run at 30 kmph and at 10 kmph on the opposite side. The speed will continue to be the same between MG Road and Trinity Circle and other stretches.

Seth said the priority was to fix the problem now. After that, action will be taken against the contractor and the engineer. A new contractor will be deployed to execute the work. It has also been decided to conduct ultra-sound test on all pillars in Phase-1 to find any errors.

The BMRCL did not disclose the names of the experts they consulted for permanent solutions. Seth, however, maintained that they were in consultation with Delhi Metro and other metros.

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(Published 14 December 2018, 19:49 IST)

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