New land acquisition problem moots up for Metro Phase-2
Rising cost has always set the course of action for major infrastructure projects. Holding this statement true, BMRCL ( Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd) has decided to cut down the project cost for Namma Metro Phase-2, by not acquiring land for property development.
The estimated cost for Phase-2 in 2011 was calculated at Rs 26405 crore, however, that climbed up to Rs 29000 crore in 2013, which needs to be trimmed. Furthermore, the Corporation calculated around 2000 properties that would be required to turn to ashes to complete the 72 km Phase 2. This, had led BMRCL to ponder before leaping into action.
Properties identified- A comparison between Phase 1 and 2
Of the total 20 lakh sq m of land acquired by BMRC for the Metro phase 2, the corporation has been able to put its finger on 941 immovable properties (public and private) spread over the area, adjacent to the project corridors. Et all, for the 6.45 km line(between Mysore Road terminal and Kengeri) 57 properties have been located, whereas for the Baiyyappanahalli to Whitefield line 151 have been identified. To make metro phase-2 functional, demolition of such properties has turned out to be a mandate.
In comparison to Phase-2, around 12.39 lakh sq m land has been acquired for Namma Metro Phase-1, however, only 3.18 lakh sq m was obtained from the private properties. The leftover 9.21 lakh sq m was gained from 57 government lands. The phase 1 metro work did not call for any major demolition exercise and was mostly constructed on vacated lands.
Expense to be borne
The cost of Metro phase-2 is likely to surpass Rs 30000 crore by the time it becomes completely operational, due to the consistent 5% hike on project expense every year. In addition to the bad news, the Center declared that it will only bear the cost if increased cess and Central duties have played a role in it. Increase in cost for any unsaid reason will have to be borne by the State government.
Another crucial step taken to shrink down the growing project cost and requirement for land, was to build two-level elevated stations in place of three-level stations constructed on Phase 1. Subtraction in floor numbers will play a crucial role in paring down the project cost significantly, and at the same time would demand for lesser land to house all concourse facilities.
Required Connectivity
Once, both the phases of Namma Metro are finished, they will make significant contribution towards connectivity. Travelling from Majestic to Kengeri in the West, Whitefield in the East, Anjanapura Township in the South and BIEC along Tumkur Road in the North will be a piece of cake.
In addition to it, two new lanes(under Metro Phase II) running from Nagavara to Gottigere and Jayanagar to Electronic City are likely to come up soon. While the Namma Metro phase I will be in working order by 2014 end, the phase 2 will become functional by 2017-18.
