Metro mystery: BMRCL awaits nod; safety body says it was issued in September

BENGALURU: The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has shown green light to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) to throw open the Mysuru Road-Magadi Road stretch for public.

This permission came about as far back as September first week but the BMRCL is yet to launch the service.Commissioner SK Mittal told ET that he gave safety clearance two months ago and said they could go ahead with the service any time they want. "I have not asked for any changes and I don't know why they are not starting the service while people are eagerly waiting for years to board a metro," Mittal said.

BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola, however, maintained that the CRS had indeed suggested some minor changes and the BMRCL will start the service after these changes are made. He also indicated that the service might start any time.

BMRCL general manager (finance) UA Vasanth Rao said the changes directed by the CRS have been completed and they had sent a proposal to the state government seeking dates from the chief minister to inaugurate the service. The 6.4-km stretch falls in the 18.10-km east-eest corridor or yjr purple line and will cover six stations -Deepanjalinagar, Attiguppe, Vijayanagar and Hosahalli besides the Mysuru Road and Magadi Road stations.

BMRCL Sources said some civil work inside the stations were pending. Contractors delayed completion of civil works due to non-release of funds in time. The Commissioner of Railway Safety cleared safety permission only for the railway track.

BMRCL officials say it will take another month for the operation of the Magadi Road-Mysuru Road line.