Bengaluru: Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation D V Sadananda Gowda on Monday said the whole phase 1 of the metro network would be thrown open for public by April.
Speaking with media persons after presiding over the review meeting on the progress of Central projects in the state, Minister Sadananda Gowda said the work on the 42.3-km metro phase 1, taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 13,845 crore, has been completed and it would be open for commercial operations by April. “The work on 72-km long second phase of the metro has been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 26,000 crore. As per the schedule, the construction work is scheduled to be completed by 2020 but the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials are confident of completing the work much before the deadline (2020),’’ Minister Sadananda Gowda said.
The Union Minister said the funds for the metro were being released by the Central Government and the State Government on time. “The 18-km long line under metro 2a between Silk Board and KR Puram is required Rs 4,200 crore. The BMRCL officials have decided to get funds in a new method. They have also appealed the State and the Central Governments for funds,’’ the minister said.
Metro phase 3
Minister Sadananda Gowda said the BMRCL has prepared a plan to provide metro connectivity between Nagavara and Kempegowda International Airport. “The 30-km metro work is being taken up on a priority basis since the number of air passengers traveling from Kempegowda International Airport is expected to reach five crore by 2020. The completion of the metro work will be a challenge for the BMRCL officials. A detailed project report is being prepared by the BMRCL. They will submit it to the Central Government for approval,’’ the minister said.
He said the total length of the metro would be 224 km and the efforts were being made to complete the construction work on time. “Though there were initial hiccups, the BMRCL officials have been working hard to complete the construction work on time. I want to appreciate the BMRCL officials,’’ he said.
