Cracks in Vani Vilas ward near Metro project

 Around 50 patients, a majority of them in the labour wards, were shifted from SR Block of the historical Vani Vilas Hospital to its main block as a precaution following the discovery of a deep crack on the wall.

The incident, the second of its kind, took place close to the work site of Metro’s KR Market underground station. In March 2013, a portion of the paediatric block of the same hospital was damaged due to tunnelling work by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) for the underground Metro station which will connect the Majestic interchange Metro station.

“The patients were shifted to safety as a precaution. The building developed cracks four days ago and it was scary with the crack getting wider. We then informed Metro officials, who are now on the job. Other than causing a little inconvenience, it has not affected patients,” an official from the government-owned hospital told DH.

A senior BMRCL official said: “The corporation has deployed several personnel, including civil engineers, to ensure there is no further damage. We have put up structures to support the building and grouting is also taking place.

“If the soil does not settle, our engineers will see what can be done. As a matter of caution, we have asked the hospital to shift patients. There is no cause for panic,” he said.