Delays Persist: Metro's Green Line Extension set to open by July

The Metro line, with a cost of Rs 2.98 billion, includes three elevated stations beyond Nagasandra: Manjunath Nagar, Chikkabidarakallu (formerly Jindal Nagar), and Madavara (BIEC). Although the Chief Minister had initially set a deadline for April, the work, which began on June 9, 2017, was supposed to be operational by August 2019. However, various setbacks led to significant delays.

An official from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) stated that the issues have been resolved, with only finishing touches remaining. The track laying process is expected to take 2.5 months, and the line should be fully operational by July this year. Trial runs and safety inspections will also be conducted before public use.

Explaining the challenges faced during the project, the official mentioned the demands from Anchepalya village residents for a Metro station between Chikkabirarakallu and Madavara. Protests and disruptions to the contractor's work after 80% completion of the line led to months of delays. After reaching a compromise, BMRCL constructed roads within the village and connecting roads to the Metro stations.

The cancellation of the contract with Simplex Infrastructure further added to the delays. Simplex, working on the Kalena Agrahara and Tavarakere (Swagath Road) stretch, had its contract terminated in January 2021 due to substantial execution delays. This led to a delay of a few months when the contract was transferred to IL & FS after affected vendors refused to supply raw materials to Simplex.

The official also cited the pandemic as a contributing factor to the delay. Additionally, the controversy surrounding the viaduct passing over NICE Road caused further complications. BMRCL eventually paid Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises Rs 67.65 lakh in August 2023 for the losses incurred by the toll gate during the construction of the viaduct over the road.