‘BMRTL meeting was an eyewash’

‘BMRTL meeting was an eyewash’
The Times of India

Bangalore: Bangalore shop owners and traders have iterated that they are opposed to the proposed Metro Rail project.

In a note issued here, the Brigade Shops and Establishments Association (BSEA) expressed ‘shock’ to see news reports that said its fellow association, the Bangalore Traders’ Association, has welcomed Metro Rail. BSEA said the interaction convened by Bangalore Mass Rapid Transit Limited (BMRTL) on August 27 was an ‘eyewash.’ Besides, participants too had “opposed the Metro Rail project and said it was not a meaningful discussion,’’ the BSEA note said.

BSEA also supported the stand taken by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda against Metro Rail. Meanwhile, the Bangalore Trades Association (BTA), in a separate note said, at the BMRTL interaction, the association had objected to certain locations and acquisition of properties on M G Road (for the project). But BMRTL officials had explained that “new plans are under preparation and that these will be finalised after consulting the association.’’ The BTA said it does not oppose infrastructural development per se, but that it should not be at the cost of existing infrastructure.