More roadblocks for Metro

Tracking the metro
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: There seems to be no end to the problems faced by the Bangalore metro rail project. The legislators from the city are now demanding major changes in the biggest single infrastructure project in the State capital.

Many MLAs and ex-MLAs want the system to be fully underground, as against the Bangalore Mass Rapid Transit Limited (BMRTL), which plans to operate it partially underground, partly elevated and part surface.

Elevated and surface trains, according to them, will mar the beauty of the city. The MLAs’ demand came close on the heels of protests by merchants and autorickshaw drivers, who are asking for realignment of the rail route to avoid demolitions.

‘‘It should not mar the beauty of the city and change its topography. The metro should be fully underground,’’ said former minister and Jayamahal MLA Roshan Baig.

Unlike in New Delhi, roads in Bangalore are not wide enough to accommodate a surface or elevated metro rail, he said.

‘‘The Bangalore Metro should be like the one in Moscow, which is the best in the world,’’ the Congress leader noted.

‘‘A fully underground system would avoid the need for demolishing buildings on CMH Road and other busy areas and what is the guarantee that a elevated or surface metro will not increase congestion and pollution?’’ he added.

Gandhinagar MLA Dinesh Gundurao too wants the underground system, but only if it is financial viable. ‘‘It is better if it is fully underground as it will not cause any inconvenience to people,’’ he added.

Former MLA K J George said if the project is implemented according to the existing plans, it would mar the beauty of M G Road and other roads, which are very important roads in the city.

George said many legislators and even some ministers are also of the same opinion.

‘‘An underground system is good, but the present plan has been evolved keeping in mind the cost factor,’’ said Bangalore District in-charge and Education Minister Ramalinga Reddy.

According to the BMRTL estimate the project cost is estimated at Rs. 6,300 crore and is likely to increase further by the time the work starts on ground. Notwithstanding the cost factor, many MLAs want it to be underground as the basic purpose of the system is to help people.

The elected representatives plan to take up all these issues with Chief Minister Dharam Singh, who is likely to convene a meeting of city MLAs shortly.