Title - Guv find flaws in Bangalore metro infrastructure, experts endorse

Following the Governor H R Bhardwaj criticising the design and implementation flaws in the Bangalore Metro infrastructure, experts have joined the chorus and wants government to revisit some aspects of project and bring in better coordination among the civic agencies for the proper implementation of the project.  
On 27 May, the governor had criticised Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) and the previous government for laying overhead tracks instead of underground tracks and the undue delay in implementing the project.  
Dr Ashwin Mahesh, infrastructure expert, had agreed with the governor on the design flaws but said that it is too late for anyone to revisit the design and alignment of the project. The government should ensure that these flaws do not recur in future.  
The governor should have suggested means to prevent such flaws from recurring. Though there is a high-level committee to bring about coordination among the different civic agencies, there is no coordination.   There should be enough coordination between the BMRCL and Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on issues related to alignment and designing of roads and footpaths along the route and near the stations, Mahesh felt. Thousands of people travel in Metro, the footpaths on either side should have been broadened to accommodate travellers to and from the Metro stations.  
However, Mahesh is of the opinion that going underground is most advisable, but BMRCL does not have enough funds and it cannot be compared with the Delhi Metro as Delhi Metro which has lot of funds.  
M N Sreehari, traffic expert and infrastructure consultant feels that there are some serious design and alignment flaws in the Metro project. Generally, Metro trains travel at the speed of around 90kmph in most cities, but in Bangalore, it cannot exceed 40 kmph due to steep curvatures. Also one cannot see three Metro stations within 1 km distance anywhere in the world except in Bangalore. There are three stations within 1 km in Jayanagar. These flaws would not have occurred if they had consulted a local expert who is familiar with the conditions here.  
The BMRCL incurs Rs 65 lakh loss for one day of delay. The initial cost estimate of the project was Rs 2,750 crore which has ballooned to Rs 14,000 crore. Therefore, the government should review these issues and eliminate these shortcomings while implementing the next phase,” Sreehari added.