BANGALORE: With Reach 1 of Namma Metro up and running, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is now focusing on making Reach 3 operational. Reach 3 will comprise 13 stations between Peenya and Sampige Road.While sources in BMRCL believe that Reach 3 will be operational by February 2013, some others claim it may be ready a few months earlier. “Reach 3 should become operational by December 2012. Most of the work along the stretch is more or less on the verge of completion,” said public relations officer of BMRCL, Yashwant Chavan. The 11-km stretch between Hesargatta Cross and Swastik Circle is likely to carry more passengers than the 6.7 km that is currently running from M G Road to Byappanahalli.Railway clearance soughtBMRCL has sought official clearance from railways to build over the railway line at Malleswaram. This is the only procedure that stands in the way of the completion of the project. “We have sought clearance for the crossing-over at the railway line at Malleswaram. This is probably our only hurdle when it comes to formalities,” said Chavan.Underground connectivity optional?After Reach 3, BMRCL will complete Reach 2 and 4, both of which have stretches that are going to be built underground. “We are trying to see if there are other options that we can try instead of underground connectivity,” said Chavan. Sources say that other options are being considered for the routes, to complete the project faster.No controversyThe Sampige Road Station (Swastik) will be built by the Mantri Developers. While the entire public-private partnership involving Mantri Developers has come under controversy, BMRCL believes there is no violation whatsoever. “It is a government property. There is no controversy there,” Chavan claimed.
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