April is all but over, but Namma Metro train hasn't arrived in south Bengaluru yet, notwithstanding the umpteen declarations by Bengaluru development minister K J George that the entire network will be active by this month-end. While May too will soon pass, it's certain that the Metro route linking Mantri Square station and Yelachenahalli on Kanakpura Road won't be commissioned, TOI has reliably learnt. George, however, asserted: "We will be ready for launch by May 15."
The commissioner for metro rail safety (CMRS) for south western railway zone, K A Manhoran, told TOI he'll inspect the Metro's final underground and southern lines by May-end.
"BMRC officials met me last week and assured of submitting all certificates obtained by them this week. If the papers are in by this week, it'll take me another four weeks to examine them. Hopefully, I shall be able to inspect the line in person by May-end," he said. Going by the earlier record of issuing safety certificates, it should take less than a week for him to issue the same following inspection.
BMRC confident of early launch: However, BMRC officials claimed that they are confident of launching the entire 42-km network before June. "We are not pressuring him (Manhoran) and it is for the good of citizens that the Metro be rather safe than be some work done in hurry," said a BMRC official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Train testing and signalling synchronization works are taking place between Monday and Wednesday from Rajajinagar to Mantri Square stations on the northern side.
On the other hand, the route the Namma Metro has to take to Kempegowda International Airport is not yet finalized.
On Tuesday, Pradeep Singh Kharola, MD, BMRC, discussed at length the feasible route options with George. Kharola said the government will decide on the route soon.
BMRC has found routes to the airport from KR Puram via Budigere and Nagawara via Kannur and Bagalur to be most feasible.
The commissioner for metro rail safety (CMRS) for south western railway zone, K A Manhoran, told TOI he'll inspect the Metro's final underground and southern lines by May-end.
"BMRC officials met me last week and assured of submitting all certificates obtained by them this week. If the papers are in by this week, it'll take me another four weeks to examine them. Hopefully, I shall be able to inspect the line in person by May-end," he said. Going by the earlier record of issuing safety certificates, it should take less than a week for him to issue the same following inspection.
BMRC confident of early launch: However, BMRC officials claimed that they are confident of launching the entire 42-km network before June. "We are not pressuring him (Manhoran) and it is for the good of citizens that the Metro be rather safe than be some work done in hurry," said a BMRC official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Train testing and signalling synchronization works are taking place between Monday and Wednesday from Rajajinagar to Mantri Square stations on the northern side.
On the other hand, the route the Namma Metro has to take to Kempegowda International Airport is not yet finalized.
On Tuesday, Pradeep Singh Kharola, MD, BMRC, discussed at length the feasible route options with George. Kharola said the government will decide on the route soon.
BMRC has found routes to the airport from KR Puram via Budigere and Nagawara via Kannur and Bagalur to be most feasible.