A structural fault in one of the pillars of Namma Metro near the Trinity Station on MG Road had gripped the IT city in a panic on Thursday. Chalking out an elaborate plan to repair the fault, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Thursday clarified that it would need at least 10 days time to fix the fault. A team of engineers are working overnight to resolve the issue.
Ajay Seth, Managing Director, BMRCL, said that the corporation may require at least five to six days to complete the repair.
"The repair work can be completed in just two days. But, the preparation itself requires about 5 to 6 days. Our engineers are already busy installing the steel platform supported by stilts to carry out the repairs. Further, technical experts will decide on the future course of action," Seth explained.
He said that this was not the first time a fault was noticed on the same structure. It was earlier noticed in 2012 on the same structure and that time work was done in a haste. Metro is likely to be closed on the coming weekend.
He said that the Metro train will be shut down during the weekend for one or two days and during this time BMTC will run shuttle services from MG Road to Indiranagar. The cost of the shuttle service will be borne by BMRCL.
Sources in BMRCL revealed to DH that a portion of concrete in a corner of the viaduct has been damaged.
"The damage has pushed the viaduct down, and it is presently resting on the cross-bearing. The entire repair work would need 10 days," clarified BMRCL engineers. Adding further, an official said, "We have been carrying out ultrasonic scans to assess the extent of damage to the cemented area. The results will give us insight into the requirement of raw material which will be handy to carry out the repair work."
When asked why ultrasonic scans were not done at the time of casting Seth reacted: "The existing viaducts were prepared at the project site and hence the tests were not carried out then. But now, the viaducts are prepared at the casting site where every structure is subjected to ultrasonic scans."
BMRCL is using hydraulic jacks capable of lifting 125 tonnes to facilitate the repair work. The weight of the viaducts will fall on the jacks providing ample space for the repair. Subsequently, ultrasonic scans will be carried out and repair works will be taken up," an engineer clarified.
The officials are planning to use high-quality cement that will cure fast. Once the cement is set properly, it will be tested yet again, and only after convincing results, the steel stilts will be removed. The officials clarified that all work will be taken up during the night without affecting the traffic during the day.
Metro rail services will resume on Friday as usual. However, the speed of the trains will be reduced at the working stretch. "On Thursday the trains will run between Mysuru Road to MG Road from 5:00 am to 7:00 am. Subsequently after 7:00 am, the trains will begin operating from Mysuru Road to Baiyappanahalli," BMRCL clarified.
The officials also indicated that the identification of the fault and the repair work has not affected passenger traffic. Witnessing an average of 3.90 lakh people on a daily basis, the BMRCL witnessed a traffic of 3.88 lakh on Wednesday as well.
Speaking to media he assured the riders that the Metro train and all civil structures are safe. He said experts and consultants were being consulted for the repair works and to ensure that there are no more anomalies in future.
Seth, however, did not divulge any details on the consultants or the experts. The cost factor to repair the structure was also not made public. He said once the fault is set right action will be taken against the engineer in charge of the site and the contractor.
He said that until the repairs are over the train will run at a slower pace. It will run at a pace of 30kmph from Byapanahalli to MG Road and at 10kmph from MG Road tp Byapanahalli.
He sais BMRCL was not keen on making profits. Repair is delayed because a concrete action plan is being prepared. Teams from Delhi metros and others are also being consulted.