BENGALURU: Amid speculations over completion of Metro Phase-I works by April-end, Bengaluru Development Minister KJ George on Wednesday announced that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has fixed April 15 as the date for commencing Metro services. Briefing newspersons ahead of a walking tour along the tracks of the underground tunnel between Kempe Gowda Metro station and Mantri Square Sampige Metro station on Wednesday, George said, “The CM held a review meeting with Metro officials and wants services to begin by April 15.” The North-South Corridor from Sampige Road to Yelachenahalli is yet to kick off due to delay in completion of the underground corridor.
But there’s a rider. When Express asked the minister if it was possible for the Metro to meet the deadline, George said, “Underground corridor is ready. After our tests and trials are completed, a Central team has to give us certification. If there is delay in that, we cannot help it.”
BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola said Metro services from Rajaji Nagar to Sampige Road station will be affected for a week due to connectivity works between Kempe Gowda Metro and Sampige stations. “We will provide buses during that period and ensure it it is done during the weekend or holidays so that not many people are affected,” he said. “Testing work has started and there are 18 types of tests to be carried out. Trial run of trains won’t take much time.” George also assured that the CM will announce a decision on the route to be taken to connect the airport by Metro.