BMRCL invites bids for 3-km extension from Nagasandra.

Prioritising the work on smaller routes of Namma Metro, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has started work in the northern extension of Phase-I from Nagasandra.

The corporation has invited bids for the construction of 3.03-km elevated corridor up to Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) from Nagasandra.

BMRCL has set a 27-month target to complete work after issuing work orders. The project is estimated to cost Rs 247.41 crore and is likely to be funded by the French Development Agency in addition to the cost-sharing by the Centre and state government. The last date to submit the tender is November 10. The contract involves construction of elevated structures (viaduct) of 3.031-km length from Hessaraghatta cross station to BIEC station. Apart from road widening works and setting up of concrete structures, the contract also includes construction of three elevated metro stations (Manjunathanagar, Jindal and BIEC).

BMRCL has already received permission for cutting and pruning of trees from BBMP and forest department. “The necessary amount has been deposited with Deputy Conservator of Forests (Urban) and BBMP for compensatory afforestation for tree cutting permission,” BMRCL said in a statement. While there were no utilities of water supply and UGD lines between Manjunathanagar and BIEC section, the BMRCL is yet to get permission for the use of National Highways Authority of India service road for construction of viaduct and stations.

Longer routes
Under Phase-II, BMRCL has started civil work between Puttenahalli to Anjanapura road (6.29-km) and Mysuru Road to Kengeri (8.81-km). The construction work on the western corridor has been awarded in two packages for Rs 660 crore and the southern corridor has been awarded to Nagarjuna Constructions Company Ltd for Rs 508.86 crore.

Other than three smaller extensions of Namma Metro Phase-I, there is not much progress on the Baiyappanahalli to Whitefield and RV Road to Bommasandra Metro projects. A BMRCL official said they are yet to complete land acquisition process on both the Metro lines, which are the largest routes under Phase-II and the new Nagawara-Gottigere line has not seen any progress at all.