Rlys stall Metro tunnelling work

Disagreement between the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the Railways has resulted in stopping of tunnelling work near the City railway station.
The Railways has directed the BMRCL to stop work at three of its sites at Railway Quarters, Ayyappaswamy Temple Road and Platform Road.

Sources in the South Western Railways said that it had been demanding restoration of roads within the railway property, clearing clogged drains and offering adequate security to railway quarters.

But the BMRCL maintains that since it has already paid Rs 98 crore as licence fee towards utilising the railway land, the Corporation is not expected to do this work.
“Though we have the licence to work on their land and also possess the lease, the railways are obstructing our work. Moreover, the Railways cannot halt a project which is being implemented with public money,” said sources.

“The Railways’ claim of its employees being displaced is baseless. We have constructed new quarters at the cost of Rs 14 crore. It is offering futile excuses and causing
unnecessary delay in our work,” said BMRCL spokesperson B L Y Chavan.

Security ensured

Moreover, the Corporation has been providing adequate security to the railway property and personnel, as per the international standards, he said.

When questioned about the Railways demanding that the BMRCL restore “damaged” property to its original condition, Chavan said: “During several meetings convened between the Railways and the Corporation, it had agreed to our work. There is no reason why Railways should stall our work based on frivolous excuses.”

Adamant stand

However, the Railways seem to be adamant and informed sources said that the work on the stretch will be allowed only after the BMRCL agrees to fulfill its demands.
Reacting to the statement made by the Railways, Chavan said: “We have sought the intervention of SWR General Manager, Hubli, to sort out the issue. However, we have not yet received any communication on the issue.”