The tunnelling work of Namma Metro is progressing at a good pace and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is confident that the tunnel boring machine (TBM) will break through at Vidhana Soudha Metro station by September this year. What is causing worry, though, is the pending issue of shifting the statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar which is necessary for the work to progress but which has become a political hot potato.
Formal approval of the Government of Karnataka to shift the Dr Ambedkar statue in the Vidhana Soudha premises is awaited since 2011. The work in this area is becoming critical and is about seven months behind schedule at this stage. Other works like diversion of traffic on new roads constructed near Vidhana Soudha has happened but the work cannot see real progress unless the statue is shifted. BMRCL, which was quite open to discussions on the issue of shifting the statue, seems to have quietened down due to political pressure.
However, the authorities say that they have made good progress in the tunnelling on the East- West corridor and are reserving their comments on this issue. “Tunnelling has commenced from the Majestic End towards the East. Both tunnelling machines christened have reached Sir M. Visveswaraya Station. Also, preparation to launch the machines on the East end of the stations is nearing completion. Excavation of the launching shaft in Cubbon Road to launch the third TBM is completed. We are estimating the TBM will reach Vidhana Soudha Metro station by September this year and we are hopeful to see progress in the matters that are pending,” said a senior BMRCL official.
After the State Cabinet failed to take a decision on shifting the statue temporarily to a safe place, Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda was to deal with the issue. Owing to pressure from various Dalit groups and fearing a disruption in the law and order scenario in the city, the State Government is unable to come to a decision. Work has thus been halted near Vidhana Soudha. The underground East-West corridor of the Metro stretches for about 5 km and will have four stations - Cubbon Park Station (Minsk Square), Vidhana Soudha Station, Sir M. Visvesvaraya Station (Central College) and Bangalore City Station.