The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) has expedited the construction of pillars on the riverbed. Initiating steps to remove the temporary ramps, set up to assist in the work, ahead of the monsoon. All the ramps will be removed by the first week of June, MahaMetro said.
The Metro viaduct will cross the Mutha and the Mula rivers at two spots near RTO and Yerawada. The viaduct, after crossing the Mula, will enter Pimpri Chinchwad. A MahaMetro official said they have completed the foundations of all the pillars at the crossing points.
“We are now extending all the pillars up to the height of the pier cap. Barring one or two places, this work too has been completed. We are hoping that the work at the couple of pillars left will also be completed by the first week of June,” the official said.
The removal of ramps will ensure an unobstructed flow of water in the rivers during the monsoon, when water is released from the Khadakwasla dam. MahaMetro had planned to complete most of the work on the riverbed before the Covid-19 outbreak put brakes on it.
“We are revising the plans as some works got delayed,” the official said. MahaMetro said about 50% of the total workforce of 2,800, who stayed back, are on site.