The New Indian Express 18.08.2010
Bus terminal work hit
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The unforeseen presence of a live drainage pipeline beneath the construction site of the Bus Terminal Complex at Thampanoor has partially affected the progress of the work. The pipe, found buried under the foundation of the old main building of KSRTC and that might have been laid more than 50 years ago, was detected during the driving of piles in that location.
The stoneware drainage pipeline having a diameter of 300 mm comes under the ramp portion in the C-block of the proposed multi-storeyed bus terminal complex, a joint venture of KSRTC and KTDFC. ‘’The KWA officials, when informed, prepared an estimate for relocating the particular drainage line to the main line near the Ponnara Park. The board meeting of the KSRTC has decided to remit the estimate amount of Rs 8 lakh to the KWA for executing the work as a deposit work,’’ said S R J Navakumar, Chief Engineer (BOT Projects), Kerala Transport Development Financial Corporation (KTDFC).
The piling work was started in the area following clearance from the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) that there was no live line in that portion. Following this, no provision was made in the project estimate for relocation of the same. ‘’However, when a thick concrete slab, located around 4 m below the ground level was lifted, the pipe got damaged and waste water gushed out. We managed to plug the leak after a heavy work which lasted two to three days,’’ he said. ‘’As many as 50 piles have to be laid in this area. The piling work can be started only after the relocation of the pipe. The KWA officials have assured that the pipe will be relocated within a month,’’ Navakumar added.
As many as 1,521 piles are required for the main building of the complex. Of these, the work of around 1,200 piles have been completed. The presence of heavy concrete slabs at around 4 to 5 m depth, intermittent rains and raised water table of the construction site have also led to the delay in piling work.
However, the authorities are confident of completing the work within the stipulated period of two years. ‘’From last March 22 onwards, the piling for the foundation of the main building is in progress in three shifts.
The present delay occurred due to unexpected reasons. In order to cover this time lag, we will speed up the work of the superstructure. We have already started scheduling this,’’ Navakumar said.
