Tunnels to be constructed under densely populated areas such as Shivajinagar and Tannery Road

As many as nine tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) will be deployed to build the 13.92-km-long tunnel network from Dairy Circle to Nagawara by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL). The underground stretch is part of Namma Metro’s Gottigere–Nagawara line (Reach 6 of Phase II).

The BMRCL has set 2023 as the target to complete the tunnel work, which includes the construction of 12 underground stations.

In Phase I, six TBMs had been deployed for building 8.82-km tunnel network (from Sampige Road to National College and M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to Magadi Road). The tunnelling work in the Phase I got delayed for years owing to various reasons such as hard rock and breaking down of TBMs. The BMRCL had taken over five years to complete the work.

The contractor selected for building the tunnel network from Vellara Junction to Pottery Town in two packages has commenced preliminary work. The BMRCL is in the process of finalising the tender for two other packages — from Dairy Circle to Vellara Junction, and from Pottery Town to Nagawara.

Ajay Seth, managing director, BMRCL, said, “The contractor has begun work at Vellara Junction and other areas. The land identified has been barricaded and properties identified for the project are getting cleared. The contractor will deploy TBMs after creating tunnel shafts at identified locations.”

Four TBMs to start work initially

Of the nine TBMs, four will start their journey from Shivajinagar likely in three months — two of them will move towards Vellara Junction and the other two towards Cantonment station, according to B.L. Yeshwanth Chavan, chief PRO, BMRCL.

Like in Phase I, where a tunnel network was built under densely populated areas such as Chickpet, in Phase II, the TBMs will carry out the work under busy areas such as Shivajinagar, Tannery Road, and Pottery Town.

Mr. Chavan said, “The contractor of the first two packages is studying the condition of the buildings. Like in Phase I, all precautionary measures will be taken, including providing support to the buildings, and even temporarily rehabilitating inhabitants, if required. This will happen when the TBMs are close to the structures.”

The BMRCL is acquiring around 300 properties, including buildings, for the work. A majority of the properties are being acquired for construction of underground stations.