So what we had suspected all along is true. Namma Metro is delayed by one year. Reach One itself is badly delayed.
http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Dec112008/scroll20081211106051.asp?section=frontpagenews
"We are apprehensive about the tardy progress of Metro works in some stretches. So, we will fix a deadline for each work and ask contractors to adhere to it without any excuse. Necessary directions will be issued to the BMRCL,” M Ramachandran, secretary Union Ministry of Urban Development, told Deccan Herald here on Wednesday." This is the state of affairs on a Rs.6000 cr project. It dawns on them now that deadlines need to be fixed if work is expected to be done on time.
See another classic - 'Without naming the contractor he said: “While selecting this contractor for works, we did not anticipate that he was ill equipped. Henceforth, we will be very cautious before awarding tender.” '
What vendor selection principles does BMRC actually follow?
How exactly do they plan the work? Why do they dig up kms of road at a time if their capacity to do civil works is only 1 km every 4 months. What they are very good at is cutting trees though.
On Reach One "The works commenced in January 2007 and was scheduled to be completed in 27 months (April, 2009). However, there is no sign of its completion even by mid-2010. This, even after getting six months’ extension to complete the works, senior officials in the Ministry said. "
I have a feeling my grandchildren might one day use the Metro when in their teens :).
Srivathsa