RailEnquiry

JAIPUR: The Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC) is all set to complete the tender process and selecting the firm for constructing Jaipur Metro rail (phase -1 B) project, proposed from BadiChaupar to Chandpole, in August.But the problems have just begun for the gigantic metro rail project. Heritage lovers and residents are raising objections to the project stating that it would completely change the cityscape of the heritage Walled City. People staying on the route also have strong apprehensions that the project would damage their houses.Experts believe an "environment assessment survey" on the lines of "environmental impact assessment" conducted for the Central Secretariat-Badarpur Corridor of Delhi Metro in New Delhi before undertaking underground Metro construction between Chandpole and the chaupars.Dharmendar Kanwar, convener, Jaipur chapter of INTACH, said, "The heritage fabric should not be disturbed without the surveys as once it is damaged it would be difficult to be resorted. We were assured that metro stations will not be constructed on surface but the JMRC has to be very careful not to tamper with the heritage during construction."

Experts even suggest an environmental baseline data as present status of physio-chemical, biological and socio-economic aspects of the study are relevant to the proposed construction of the Metro corridor. Also, representative soil samples need to be collected from nearby locations along the proposed Metro corridor.

Rakesh Jain, residing near Chandpole gate whose house is along the route, said, "It would be very risky digging underground with people residing nearby. The state government should rehabilitate owners of shop and houses to avoid risks and losses. Touching the old structures without precautionary measures will be a mistake."

As per the plan under phase-I (B) of the project, an underground tunnel will be dug from Chandpole to Badi Chaupar through the congested areas of the old city. "It was decided that drilling of the tunnel will start from the Chandpole end. At the Chandpole tunnel, the depth will be 6 to 16 metres, while the depth of the tunnel at Badi Chaupar end will be 10 to 20 metre," an official said.

Meanwhile, the JMRC claimed that the process of selecting the final bidder will be completed by August. In September the work will be awarded to the selected firm and it is expected to start the work. Three companies have been shortlisted for Chandpole-Bari Chaupar underground Metro line project. The estimated cost of the said project is Rs 550 crore.