CMH Road traders urge CM to change Metro alignment

CMH Road traders urge CM to change Metro alignment
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Even as the Bangalore Metrorail project is gaining momentum after Group of Ministers (GoM) clearance, the demand for the change in the alignment of the project by residents and traders still continue.

The CMH Road traders and Indiranagar residents, who are opposing the project passing through the busy CMH Road have now approached the Chief Minister seeking his intervention to change the route.

“We are hopeful that the CM will ensure that the alignment is changed and houses and commercial establishments are not demolished for the project,” CMH Road, Shops and Establishment Association president Imtiaz Ahmed said on Tuesday.

The association members have recently met the CM.

The CM has assured the traders that he would soon visit the places and take the decision on the matter, Ahmed said.

The change of alignment will not just benefit people, but the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) can also save nearly Rs 450 crore, he said.

“There are 467 shops, 27 banks and a number of other establishments on the CMH Road that needs to be demolished. If the alignment is changed to Old Madras Road there is no need of demolishing buildings,” he added.

The new managing director of BMRC, V Madhu has assured the residents associations and traders of considering their suggestions about the project. Not just CMH Road traders, even the residents of Mahakavi Kuvempu Road and some other areas are also protesting against the project.

Meanwhile, Justice Shivashankar Bhat Committee that was formed to look into the residents’ associations demand for change in the alignment is expected to submit its report soon.