Bangalore:
The cabinet expansion deprived a rather eager Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda of a ride on the Metro yesterday. Sadananda met Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) officials to apprise himself on the progress of Namma Metro.
BMRCL officials said the CM asked about the progress and insisted on boarding the train for a trial run. Accordingly, a trial was scheduled for around 3.30 pm, but later rescheduled for 5.30 pm. However, Sadananda was expected to attend the cabinet expansion meeting and had to back out.
N Sivasailam, MD of BMRCL, gave the CM a 15-minute presentation on the alignment details of the Metro rail project, including cost escalation. BMRCL officials have reportedly told the CM that Reach-1 is ready for operation and completion of the certification process is awaited.
The entire Phase 1 of Namma Metro, which comprises 18.1 km stretch of East-West Corridor (Byappanahalli-Mysore Road Terminal) and 24.2-km stretch of North-South Corridor (Hesaraghatta Cross to Jaraganahalli), was estimated to cost Rs 10,000 crore.
However, the cost of the project has escalated to Rs 11,609 crore and the second phase comprising of a 51 km stretch is expected to cost Rs 14,774 crore. The CM's eagerness stems from the fact that this is the very first time an opportunity to oversee a major infrastructural project has come his way.
BMRCL engineer and spokesperson B L Y Chavan said, "Most major civil work has been completed and only around 2 per cent work is pending. As soon as the Ministry of Railways grants clearance, we can conduct safety inspections and then it would only be a matter of time before Namma Metro rolls out."