Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil on August 27 warned Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the slow pace of work on the Bengaluru suburban rail project.
Patil conducted a review meeting on August 27 to assess the progress of the suburban rail project. He said that only 28 percent of the physical progress and 22 percent of the financial progress has been achieved for the Chikkabanavara-Byappanahalli (25Km Mallige Line Corridor-2).
Also, read: Suburban rail project moving at a snail’s pace
“Only Rs 86 crore in financial progress has been achieved so far for the Mallige Line, whereas it should have reached Rs 459 crore by now. According to the schedule, a minimum of 55 U-girders, 22 piers, and 42 I-girders should be constructed each month, requiring a minimum expenditure of Rs 54 crore per month. However, the current spending is only Rs 9 crore, which is far too low,” said Patil.
“If the situation does not improve, strict action will be taken against the contractor, and any losses due to delays will be recovered from the contractors. At this rate, it is impossible to complete the project within the stipulated time," he said.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of expected progress. "We have promised the public that the first train operation will start by August 2025. However, given the current pace of work, this seems doubtful," he said.
Also, read: Karnataka govt sets 2028 deadline for entire Bengaluru suburban rail project
He instructed authorities of K-RIDE (Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited), an SPV which is executing the Bengaluru suburban rail project, to review the process weekly and monthly to ensure timely completion and directed officials to expedite the delayed work.
Patil pointed out the need to accelerate work on the 46-km Kanaka Line (Heelalige – Rajanukunte, Corridor-4 project) for which L&T is also the contractor.
"For Kanaka Line, 65 percent of the utility shifting work related to electricity connections, drainage pipes, etc., has been completed. Additionally, a site has been identified for setting up a girder construction yard, and bridge construction has started."Patil said.
"In the meeting, the minister discussed the issues with senior L&T officials and instructed K-Ride officials to speed up the work. He made it clear that the project completion deadline will not be extended under any circumstances and directed officials to work around the clock to ensure the project is completed on time,” a statement from Patil’s office said. K-RIDE managing director N Manjula, senior officials and contractors were present in the meeting.
Also, read: Bengaluru suburban rail: Agency invites tender for station work on 'priority section'
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