The Hindu

Work may begin on November 1 

BMRC working on important milestones
Government may soon announce rehabilitation package for those who cede their land
Contracts for the project to be awarded in three months

Bangalore, Apr 28: "It is a reality now," V. Madhu, Managing Director, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC), said after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs cleared the mega urban railway project for the city.

Mr. Madhu told The Hindu from New Delhi over telephone that work on the project could start by the end of October or the beginning of November.

"The Rajyothsava Day (November 1) should be a date we should be looking at (for starting the work)," he said.

Mr. Madhu said the BMRC was working out the new set of milestones for the project.

The Chief Minister might announce it in two-three days, he said.

The first task before the BMRC was to put the consultancy contract and design and construction contract in place. The other task was land acquisition.

A rehabilitation package (to provide compensation to those who lose lands) would be proposed to the Government soon, Mr. Madhu said.

He said the landowners would have a say in this.

After the Government approved the package, land would be acquired, he said.

The work of awarding the consultancy contract and design and construction contract could take three months and the actual work on the project could start immediately.