Metro project may shunt them out

Metro project may shunt them out
Deccan Herald

People’s resistance - flyovers and underpasses in the city have faced it, it’s the turn of Metro Rail now. Residents, shop owners and shop keepers along the Chinmaya Mission Hospital Road in Indiranagar on Monday resorted to relay hunger-strike demanding that the government should give due consideration to their concerns before going ahead with the Metro Rail Project.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy’s recent announcement that there shall be no change in the originally planned route alignment for Metro Rail has triggered the protest. About 600 shops and establishments along CMH Road besides a few residential units will be affected (stands to be acquired or demolished) as per the original plan.

The protesters led by the CMH Road Traders and Shopkeepers Association have vowed to continue over the next few days - until the authorities hear them. Deccan Herald spoke to a few of them on their personal stake in CMH Road.

Thulasi Ramarathnam’s business - ‘Thulasi Electronics’ started in 1987 is run from a rented premises. “I have invested in machinery (xerox, printing, computers) worth Rs 60 to Rs 65 lakh. They are procured on loan. I have 10 women working with me. My employees, business and myself - all will suffer. We are trying to get ourselves heard, but I am not very confident that the government will hear us.”

Retired bank employee Susamma Koshy’s house which is located on 6th Cross, Indiranagar I Stage was purchased in 1975. She has been staying alone after her husband’s death in 1990. Her house stands to be acquired as it falls on the curve in the Metro Rail route. “My house is everything and I am losing everything. My only hope is my daily prayers to God,’ she said.

Anand Kumar’s family owns Teknik Motors. Thirty years ago his family gave up a part of their property at the CMH Road - Ulsoor junction to facilitate a way for the Defence Colony.

They were assured of a 700 sq ft site at Doopasandra village, in Domlur as compensation.

According to Anand Kumar, the BDA is yet to give his family the possession certificate over the promised site.

Noting that acquisition for Metro Rail will take away whatever remains of the original family property (where Teknik Motors is located), Anand Kumar queried “How do you expect me to have faith in compensation?”

Ashraff’s family owns the 19 year old “Little Boss - baby shop” which is run from a rented premises. “We tenants may not get any compensation...”, he mused.

Irshad is the owner of the garments store ‘Kids Style’.

He reportedly pays a monthly rent of Rs 13,000.

Irshad noted “It has taken a long time to develop the business (10 years). Once the work (on Metro Rail) starts I will face loss of business. Relocating means starting all over again”.

N S Ram Mohan is the owner of Ganesh Medicals, which is 16 years old. Mohan noted: “I am 43 years old. Last year, I took a loan of Rs 10 lakh to upgrade the business. Where do I re-locate and how do I pay up the loan?”