Bangalore:
Bangalore's much-awaited and much-delayed Metro took a step forward today with the handing over of the first set of coaches to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) by BEML (formerly Bharat Earth Movers Limited).
BEML chairman VRS Natarajan handed over keys of the first coaches made in the city to BMRCL managing director N Sivasailam today, more than six months ahead of its deadline of February 2012.
The 157 standard gauge coaches have cost BMRCL Rs 1,750 crore.
Trial runs of the first phase known as Reach-1 between Byapanahalli and MG road have been on for quite some time but a formal date for the launch is yet to be announced.
The much delayed project was supposed to have finished in 2010. The deadline was then revised to April, 2011. However, the DMRCL failed to bring the Metro on track by this date as well.
Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa and the BMRCL had then promised September 1, 2011 as the new launch date for Namma Metro also known as Bangalore Metro.
With the safety checks and trial runs of the rail tracks almost complete, Bangloreans should soon be able to take that much awaited ride in Namma Metro.