Metro faces another hurdle

Metro faces another hurdle
DH News Service, Bangalore:
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation's (BMRC) plans to take up construction of a metro terminal and a depot has been delayed as it has not been able to take over 30 acres of land belonging to the NGEF due to litigation.


The Metro rail project is facing another legal hurdle near the Old Madras road area. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation’s (BMRC) plans to take up construction of a metro terminal and a depot has been delayed as it has not been able to take over 30 acres of land belonging to the NGEF due to litigation.

The Supreme Court had recently directed the Karnataka High Court to maintain status quo as the land was under liquidation. The official liquidator appointed by the High Court had set aside the process to auction the land following a request from the BMRC.

“But one of the firms that participated in auctioning moved the SC, challenging the liquidator’s decision to set aside the auction. The apex court has directed the HC to maintain status quo. Hence, there has been a delay in starting the work here,” BMRC Managing Director V Madhu said.

The BMRC has proposed to construct a metro rail terminal and a depot on 60 acres of land located off Old Madras road (including the NGEF land). While it has already taken possession of around 30 acres of land belonging to the Nuclear Power Corporation, the BMRC has sought 30 acres of NGEF land in the area.

“We wanted to issue a tender for constructing the terminal in the first week of October, but couldn’t do it. The next hearing is on October 29,” Mr Madhu said.

Besides a terminal, the State transport department has planned a traffic integration point on the same piece of land.

As per the plan, the services of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and the city taxi will be integrated with the metro rail.

The HC had recently stayed the acquisition of a piece of property on CMH road (near Old Madras road) by the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board meant for metro rail project.

“Some shop-owners on CMH road had moved the HC against acquisition. There is a stay on a plot. But it will not affect the project in any way,” Mr Madhu said.

As far as the M G Road is concerned, there is no delay. The foundation for putting up piers has been laid. After 15 days, erection of piers will be taken up.