Though the tunnel-boring machine for the underground section of Metro has been inaugurated, the project is likely to face several obstacles that would delay the work. The amplified cost incurred due to the hitch will be paid from common man's pocket
Though the tunnel-boring machine for the underground section of Metro has been inaugurated, the project is likely to face several obstacles that would delay the work. The amplified cost incurred due to the hitch will be paid from common man's pocket
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Even as work on the underground section of the Metro begins shortly with Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa inaugurating the new tunnel-boring machine, some serious hurdles lie ahead for the BMRCL and the common man is expected to bear the financial brunt.
BMRCL has handpicked a team of 300 expert engineers to ensure that the work is completed by August
Metro Man of India E Sreedharan pointed out that with each day of delay in the Phase One project, the BMRCL would lose Rs 50 lakh, which will be borne by taxpayers.
While half the city is fuming over these revelations, the financial aspect is to be taken into consideration. "The cost of laying an underground track is six times higher than laying a normal elevated track.
We have however planned things well and also brought down British, Japanese and Taiwanese experts to smoothen the process for us," he said.
Problems below
While Bangaloreans hope that the Metro will be inaugurated according to the deadline, the main problems engineers will face is boring tunnels under densely populated areas, especially under buildings with three storeys and more.
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In spite of hiring a good team of experienced engineers, the tunneling project is bound to delay the inauguration.
Chief Public Relations Officer Yeshwanth Chauhan attempted to put to rest some concerns regarding the challenges to be faced and further delay. "We have a team of 300 expert engineers who have been handpicked for the job.
We know that tunneling poses a big challenge for us, but we've planned it well," Chauhan said.
He informed that many areas in the city highlighted by the BMRCL, under which tracks will be laid in the next three months, have high groundwater levels.
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"Our engineers have conducted proper tests and checks and no action will be taken that would jeopardise the safety of citizens," he added.
It could get worse
Amidst all the chaos, the CM unveiled Helen, the first tunnel-boring machine. However, with the losses estimated to rise because of the mixed soil in the city, it doesn't seem like the Metro would be ready by August, as claimed earlier.
"At the start of 2011 we thought that the Metro would ease traffic woes, but almost five months down the line we are still unsure if the Metro will see the light of the day anytime this year," said Amjad Ahmed, a shopkeeper at M G Road.
Bangaloreans share the same sentiment, hoping that August would bring some good news for them.
Underground Metro stations
* Majestic
* Vidhana Soudha
* Minsk Square
* Central College Campus
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