The Hindu Business Line : Japanese co Hazama keen to take part in Bangalore MRTS project

HAZAMA Corporation, a leading Japanese engineering contractor, has evinced interest to participate in the competitive bid for the proposed Bangalore mass rapid transit system conceived by the Karnataka Government.

The State Government has been exploring the funding modalities and has been seeking the Centre's assistance as well to implement the 33-km metro transit system running through North-South and East-West corridor of the metropolis.

The project is being implemented by Bangalore Mass Rapid Transit Ltd, a special purpose vehicle.

Mr Hideo Yamafuji, General Manager (Business Promotion Department - International Division), said that he had met the Chief Secretary, Mr K.K. Mishra, here and discussed about the project.

Talking to presspersons, following a meeting with the Chief Secretary and other Government officials connected with the project, Mr Yamafuji said he would report to his company in Japan on Hazama's possible technical assistance to the project.

Also, he informed that his company would help the State Government in facilitating the financing possibility by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

Mr Yamafuji was accompanied by Mr Yushita Kitagawa, President of Japan Institute of Architects, and Mr Masamori Sakuma, President of Tokyo Software Business Co Ltd.

Mr Kitagawa and Mr Sakuma said they would be interested with their respective domain expertise in the project.

Mr Kitagawa said unlike in the past, the metro stations have started assuming importance for their aesthetic and functional looks.

Though all stations in Tokyo have similar and monotonous appearances, the new metro transit system in Yokohoma has been designed with ergonomic appeal.

He said it is important that Bangalore with its international reputation as a hi-tech city has also made efforts to compete against Singapore and Kuala Lumpur with its attractive attributes to draw the interests of tourists and investors. The light rail of the mass transit system, estimated to cost Rs 4,000 crore for its 37 km distance, would run in two alignments, the North-South (Jayanagar to Yeshwantapur) and East-West (Mysore Road to Byappanahalli).