RailEnquiry

Bengaluru: Plans for the metro phase II, which envisage a 72-km metro line, has finally left the drawing tables. Soil testing to determine areas for the corridor is about 80% complete. The BMRCL has also identified a total area of 180 to 200 hectares along with about 2000 properties that need to be acquired and demolished so the new line can be constructed.In keeping with the plan, the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) will acquire the identified properties in a phased manner. Compensation structures for acquired properties will be evaluated according to the Public Works Department’s (PWD) schedule of rates, which will be determined according to the market value of the property. The BMRCL also plans to bring in private real estate consultants to study the market value of the land. However, the final decision will be made by the BMRCL land committee.After facing several issues and delays over land acquisition, the BMRCL is now planning to expedite the process.  “The only way to curb delays in land acquisition is to begin acquisition process earlier” BMRCL MD, Pradeep Singh Kharola had told Deccan Chronicle recently.The soil test, meanwhile, is to explore soil strength and erosion. The testing is being done for the Gottigere-IIMB-Nagawara metro line, an underground stretch that requires extensive soil and rock testing activities.

As of now, almost 80 per cent of the soil and rock testing work is over, said an official from BMRCL. He also said that once the soil tests are complete, a round of test piling work will begin, to further determine soil strength.

"This is just the basic testing. At a later stage, we will have to get approvals for piling work and also decide on the type of piling. Test piling work will then begin and soil will be checked layer by layer up to a depth of 50 metres, to ascertain its strength and durability," the official explained.