Bengaluru: Namma Metro is planning to conduct a study on travel patterns of its commuters and assess the most desired lines by them. Depending on the study results, BMRCL in coordination with BMTC will run feeder buses to the nearest stations.
Currently, BMRCL is taking the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Plan for Bengaluru, done by BDA and BRDA, as a basis for the study. BMRCL Deputy Chief Engineer Shivananda said, “We are studying the travel patterns in the various parts of the city and toward Peenya and other metro stations. Taking these statistics in consideration, we will draw a conclusion. We already have the data; we just need to map it.”
Earlier, studies have been conducted to identify the areas that need to be connected with metro, few have been already covered in Phase 1 and 2, and others will be covered in Phase 3. However, areas that are not connected with metro will have feeder buses taking them to the metro stations soon. This is expected to facilitate the seamless travel and increase the ridership for Namma Metro.
More tunnel boring machines
The tunneling work has been witnessing innumerable problems and BMRCL itself has acknowledged that the project is running behind schedule. Moreover a tunneling machine in north-south corridor has broken down near Majestic. A BMRCL source said, “The machine is stuck in the tunnel. We are continuing the tunneling from the opposite side now. We will have to create a well like structure and take out the tunnel machine. Currently we have two machines working on the underground section.” Earlier, three tunneling machines were working simultaneously.
A contract has been given to Soma contractors to get one more tunnel machine in a few weeks time. Another contract to get the fourth tunnel machine will soon be realized and hence from October BMRCL will have four tunnel machines working on the underground section, the source added.
