Underground line in Namma Metro's Phase 2 by 2022

Three months after it cancelled tenders for the Dairy Circle-Nagawara underground metro line, the BMRCL has called bids for the design and construction of tunnels and three stations between Vellara junction and Shivajinagar. The project deadline indicates the stretch will be ready only in 2022.

The BMRCL had cancelled the previous tenders for the 13.7-km metro line with 12 stations divided into four packages.

While the BMRCL estimated the cost of the four packages at Rs 5,047.56 crore, the lowest quotation was a whopping Rs 8,553.45 crore.

Metro officials then proposed to the European Investment Bank, which is lending about Rs 3,750 crore for the project, for restructuring the line and reducing the underground stretch.

The latest tender covers three stations — Vellara junction, MG Road and Shivajinagar — with the stretch of the tunnel, including stations, measured at approximately 2.755 km.

The BMRCL estimates the project to cost Rs 1,130.61 crore and has set a deadline of 42 months. The bids will be opened on September 1.

The project is expected to be completed by March 2022.

A similar tender for three more stations — Cantonment, Pottery Town and Tannery Road — is expected as building an elevated line in these areas is not feasible.

It’s unclear whether the stretch between Swagath Cross and Vellara junction, with three stations at Dairy Circle, Mico Industries and Neelasandra, will be elevated.

The completion of the Gottigere-Nagawara line (Reach 6) is crucial for the extension line that will connect the Kempegowda International Airport.