Will Phase-I of Namma Metro be fully functional by May-end

Bengaluru may see Phase-I of its Namma Metro fully functional by May-end, provided everything goes as planned. Reports indicate that all the tests have been ongoing with posistive results, and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) is able to take up the high-speed test as well. Also, as per reports, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) is expected to be invited for inspection of the remaining stretch of the North-South corridor (green line) in the next couple of days. The North-South corridor covers a distance of 24.2 km distance and connects some major hubs. Phase-I project cost currently stands at Rs 13,805 crore, an increase by Rs 2,000 crore. While the initial deadline of Phase-I was of December 2012, it has continued the trend of postponing its latest deadline to April 2017. While the Namma Metro’s East-West corridor from Mysuru Road to Byappanahalli has been functional for a while now, the North-South corridor that has been a major hurdle. While it has been partially operational from Mantri Square Sampige Road to Nagasandra, Chickpet to Puttenahalli is yet to be opened for commercial purpose. As per reports, BMRC is able to conduct the tests only at night hours, as the Peenya line is functional. On the other hand, its is reportedly known that while the sub-system installation are complete and testing is going on, pending RCC and interior finishing works might prevent the line from being opened on the scheduled date. Besides, the CRS will require its time in giving the safety certificate. Hopefully, May will see the opening of the stretch for the public.