BENGALURU: It’s been nearly six months since BMRCL terminated the contract of cash-strapped Simplex Infrastructures Limited over the delayed execution of work on Bannerghatta Road corridor.
After scrapping the contract with Simplex in January this year, BMRCL floated a fresh tender in March at a cost of Rs 339 crore for the7.5-km section between Kalena Agrahara (Gottigere) and Tavarekere (Swagath Road).
However, the tender is yet to be opened.
BMRCL officials said the last date of submission of bids has been postponed to June 21, 2021 due to the pandemic.
“We have extended the deadline since many firms may find it difficult to submit documents due to the lockdown.
We’ll open the tender by the end of this month.
We’re planning to issue a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) by July-August,” said a BMRCL official.
Metro work between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere on Bannerghatta Road was supposed to be completed in 2019.
The delay in awarding the fresh tender is expected to further affect the project.
BMRCL records show only 37% civil work on Bannerghatta Road had been completed till April 2021.
BMRCL has set a March 2025 deadline for the Kalena Agrahara-Nagawara corridor (Pink Line).
In September 2017, BMRCL awarded this section, including five stations — Kalena Agrahara, Hulimavu, IIM Bengaluru, JP Nagar 4th Phase and Tavarekere to Simplex at a cost of Rs 579 crore.
However, it missed the 2019 and 2020 deadlines.
While Kalena Agrahara – Swagath Road Cross is elevated, the section between Dairy Circle and Nagawara goes underground.
Commuters unhappy K Arun, a regular commuter, said: “There was no progress for two years but BMRCL waited till January 2021 to scrap the contract.
It is showing no urgency to award the fresh tender.
It would have been easier and faster to complete the work during the lockdown.” Pointing out the project is already delayed for more than two years, he said: “The elevated section between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere could have been made operational by now but not even half the work is over.
It will take four more years for this to be operational.” Rajesh S, another commuter, said: “The CM should inspect this section, evaluate the progress and act against the officials concerned.
This is a crucial link but work is progressing at a snail’s pace.
We are hoping that BMRCL will award the tender to a reputed and experienced firm.” Officials said both the elevated and underground sections of the Pink Line will be ready by March 2025.
“Tunnelling work at the underground section between Dairy Circle and Nagawara is progressing,” said an official.