BMRCL

Bangalore

The stretch from KR Puram to KIA will be a part of Phase 2B, blue line. We need to carry out a geo survey to study the ground level and other factors ­ –BMRCL spokesperson

By Reya Mehrotrais conducting fresh feasibility bids to explore new connectionThe confusion over the airport Metro line persists asMetro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has called for fresh geo-technical feasibility bids to explore connecting the airport line with KR Puram (blue) line. According to BMRCL officials, they are now exploring an option to connect the airport line via KR Puram, Nagawara, Hebbal, Yelahanka and Kempegowda International Airport.A BMRCL spokesperson says, “The stretch from KR Puram to Kempegowda International Airport will be a part of Phase 2B, blue line. We need to carry out a geo survey or a feasibility survey first to study the ground level and other factors and assess if it will be suitable for metro construction. Tenders have been called for the same.”Sources said that BMRCL had earlier planned to connect the Gottigere-Nagawara line to airport line.However, as this stretch requires extensive underground tunnelling work, it is expected to be delayed. Hence, the BMRCL is considering taking up the KR Puram-Hebbal line so that it can quickly take up the airport work. This would mean that all those using the Metro can go all the way from Baiyappanahalli to KR Puram (Baiyappanahalli is to be connected to KR Puram on the Whitefield route while KR Puram will be the hub which connects to the other Metro line till Central Silk board on the Outer Ring Road) and then head towards the airport line. Once the Gottigere-Nagawara line is complete, Nagawara will also act as a station on the KR Puram Hebbal line which would open multiple options to airport link.Meanwhile, BMRCL has also called for tenders for geo-technical investigation on ORR from Silk board to KR Puram including Baiyappanahlalli depot entry line (project 2a).Earlier, BMRCL had planned multiple alternative routes: Nagawara to Hebbal-Yelahanka, Nagawara-Kogilu-Yelahanka, Nagawara-Bellahalli-Kannur-KIA, Nagawara-Kannur-Bagalur road-KIA, Nagawara-Bellahalli-Yelahanka-KIA and Yeshwanthpur-Yelahanka-KIA. After the report was submitted, the state government had zeroed in on the Nagawara-Kogilu-Yelahanka-KIA route. However, then this proposal was shelved and the government wanted BMRCL to take up Nagawara-Hebbal-Yelahanka-KIA.