JOIN USThe Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has invited tenders for conducting geotechnical investigations along different corridors under phase II of the Metrorail project.
A senior official from BMRCL told Deccan Herald that as part of the geotechnical investigations, the physical properties of soil and rocks along the proposed corridors under phase II would be tested for stability.
“The idea is to ensure the materials here bear the load of pillars, viaduct and stations, which are set to come up. Such tests will be conducted for all sections, including R3 extension (Hesaraghatta station to BIEC station), R4 extension (Puttenahalli Cross station to Anjanapura Township station) and R6 elevated (Gottigere station to Swagath Cross Road and depot line),” he said.
Another official from BMRCL said similar tests were already on along R2 extension (Nayandahalli to Kengeri) proposed under phase II.
The reports of such tests would be submitted to the Central government, following which the final nod for implementation of phase II would be given. The estimated cost of such surveys is Rs 6.5 crore and tenders will be opened on September 14, he said.
Sources in BMRCL said geotechnical investigations for all sections of phase II would get over in two months and the actual construction of structures under phase II would begin in three months.
Metro phase II, which includes four extension lines and two new lines with a total length of 72 km, is estimated to cost Rs 26,405 crore. Phase II is expected to be completed by 2017-18.
Once both phases of Namma Metro are complete, there will be smooth connectivity from Majestic to Whitefield in the east, Kengeri in the west, BIEC along Tumkur Road in the north and Anjanapura Township in the south. Also, two new lines under phase II - from Jayanagar to Electronics City and Nagavara to Gottigere are expected to prove useful.