All,
I have noticed metro soil testing at various locations in Bangalore this month.
Mid-last year, there was one round of soil testing done and the DPR for Phase-2 was to be out in aug/Sep 2009. Seems like thats still pending.
Strangely, there are further locations where I saw soil testing today. One was near Kannada Sahitya parishat in Chamarajapet and the other was in front of Uma theatre. Considering these locations I have a feeling that Katriguppe-National College mono-rail line may be moved to Katriguppe-Makkalakoota, so that it can be integrated with the metro nearer to Market instead of National College, where a flyover is causin routing pproblems for Metro.
A fortnight ago, I noticed soil testing being carried out in the Cantt area including one very close to the Bangalore East railway station. Not sure what are the plan for this area.
Infact, Last month I noticed soil testing on Hosur Road, about half a km from the cemetery at the junction of B'gatta Road and Hosur road.
Have you noticed any other soil testing in the past few days? Or did you come across any news report about the DPR for phase 2 and further?
-Srivatsava
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Metro Ph2 Not Finalized, Yet
Srivatsava,
See this link - I think phase2 is still to be finalized & they seem to be working on alternatives. The latest plan is to add two lines (55km) along routes quoted in the DH article & this round of soil-testing may be along these lines.
Once phase2 has been finalized, they may work on mono routes, but clearly, this is taking way too long. It could certainly do with some urgency as putting in place mass transits should be accorded top priority, given the pathetic street conditions with way too much traffic.
Hennur Road - ORR Intersection
A couple of weeks back, I noticed soil testing for the Metro on Hennur Road, just past the Outer Ring Road intersection (outside the Ring, so to speak).
I wondered if they were thinking of changing the northern line from Tannery Road to Hennur Road, considering how narrow the former is. But it could be phase 3 as you say, or perhaps an alternative route to the Airport. Only time will tell.
Noticed a couple of locations in H'nagar
I noticed barricades being put up in Many locations in the vicinity of Hanumantanagar. There were two locations on 50ft road - one close to Nirmala Stores bus stop and the other close to Apex Bank Bus stop. Soil testing testing was also in progress on Bank-colony main road near Sita circle.
These locations again mentioned the company SECON conducting the soil testing for Metro Phase II. Surprisingly, soil tests were conducted in the same stretch on almost the same points more thann 6-7 months back. Wonder why the re-testing?
-Srivatsava V
Noticed in HSR - BDA Complex Junction
Noticed some load test going on in HSR BDA Complex Junction. Not sure, whether it's for Metro or sometg else. B'coz of this, traffic is very hectic there these days.
HSR BDA is a flyover
Part of signal free ORR project. Should be interesting. I am still trying to figure out how they will clear the transmission lines there.