Controversies threaten to derail Bangalore Metro

Controversies threaten to derail Bangalore Metro
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The Bangalore Metro could well be derailed as several controversies continue to dog it. To begin with the project has already suffered much delay: It was supposed to start in May but is now scheduled to begin in November. Further delays could mean huge cost overruns of Rs 80 lakh per day.

These factors, along with the opposition put up by certain organisations, could lead to other states exploiting the situation and grabbing the Metro from right under Bangalore’s nose.

As if this were not enough, the project now has acquired a political hue. It is being strongly opposed by former prime minister H D Devegowda, who regards it as a huge financial burden as it will result in the demolition of several buildings, dislocate traffic, consume much power and take five long years to construct.

These hurdles have made other cities such as Hyderabad and Chennai, queue up to grab the Metro. Officials from the infrastructure departments of other states have been visiting the city to study the progress made by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

The Managing Director of Gujarat Infrastructure Development Corporation K S Srinivas was in the city on Saturday to study the Bangalore Metro for a similar project in Allahabad and Gandhinagar.

‘‘The Centre has limited funds in its kitty and many cities want a urban mass transit system. Luckily Bangalore was given preference, but the politicising of the issue may see the Metro go to another city,’’ a BMRCL official said.

Several shop owners have been opposing the Metro, with the strongest opposition coming from the CMH Road Traders and Shop Owners’ Association. ‘‘They are using political and monetary influence to realign the metro,’’ the official said.

The BMRCL alleges the shops on CMH Road are illegal as they were constructed even after being notified a few years ago that the Metro would pass through the road.

The Public Investment Board (PIB) has advised the state government to reconsider the route of the Metro covering sections of MG Road, Cubbon Park and CMH Road. It has also asked the government to avoid the demolition of existing structures, both residential and commercial, as far as possible.

If these suggestions are considered by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the project may be further delayed.

The Metro is already five months late and costs are escalating at the rate of Rs 80 lakh per day. A further delay may mean a loss of Rs 373 crores in a year.