Alignment: a bone of contention

Alignment: a bone of contention
Michael Patrao
Most of the traders are unanimous in their opinion that the proposed M G Road to Byappanahalli segment of the Metro can easily pass along the more open and spacious Old Madras Road avoiding CMH Road.

There is an air of uncertainty in the minds of the people including traders, residents and tenants along a part of the CMH Road and 100 Feet Road, who will be affected the moment the work on the Metro Rail starts here.
Reach 1 of the Metro Rail project includes construction of seven stations from M G Road (Chinnaswamy Stadium) to Byappanahalli passing through CMH Road and Indiranagar 100 Feet Road. The entire Reach 1 of Metro Rail network will have elevated tracks.

Of displacement
Throughout the proposed alignment of the Metro, the route passes along highly developed and congested areas, with businesses that are several decades old. Most of the traders are unanimous in their opinion that the proposed M G Road to Byappanahalli segment of the Metro can easily pass along the more open and spacious Old Madras Road avoiding CMH Road.
“An alternative alignment that will minimise disturbance to existing buildings should be seriously considered and thus reduce the anxiety faced by the people. There is plenty of unused land, some belonging to public bodies. These can be used for the tracks, says Pramila M Nesargi, senior lawyer and former legislator, who also stays on 100 ft Road.

Suggestions ignored
The traders had put forth several valid reasons before the authorities for realignment of the Metro track along Old Madras Road (OMR), but feel disappointed that the authorities choose to ignore their suggestions: A realignment through the OMR was more suitable for the Metro and make it more viable. Almost double the number of buses ply and commuters travel along OMR than on CMH Road.
The Metro on OMR could be covered in 1.5 kms while if aligned on CMH Road would require two kms. The road width on OMR Road is 80 feet and service road is 40 feet whereas the width of the CMH Road in old 40 to 50 feet which would result in demolition of over 900 shops.
No shops would be affected on OMR Road. About 20 residents would be affected on OMR Road, while 60 residents (three times) would be affected on CMH Road resulting in giving more compensation.

Hear them out
“We are not against the project, we are only against the alignment”, asserts Imtiaz Ahmed, CMH Road Shops and Establishments Association, “Why demolish something which is already built, when you can align the Metro where there is no need for demolition.”
Amir Jan (name changed on request) who runs a hardware store and Umar, who has a vehicle cushion business, run their respective businesses in rented premises. “Though we don’t own the property, we will lose our business and it would be very difficult for us to set up business elsewhere”, says Amir. Says the owner of a departmental store, “Even if I get compensation, I will not be able to start a similar business elsewhere in the City.”
Venkatesh, a resident of Lakshmipuram points out,
"A station on this road will have no parking space. The existing facilities in the BDA complex on Old Madras Road is most ideally situated as a station instead of the proposed Arya Samaj station on CMH Road.”
“Whatever little is left of the greenery in this part of the City will be lost forever”, says Meera Srinivas, who is not really affected by the alignment, but lives in the surrounding area.