BJP protests seeking Metro Yellow Line opening, BMRCL says by mid-Aug | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: Just 300 metres away from the headquarters of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), BJP functionaries, including two MPs, four MLAs, party workers and citizens staged a protest on Saturday morning, demanding a ‘definite’ answer from the management of Namma Metro regarding the opening of the Metro line from RV Road to Bommasandra.BMRCL managing director and BBMP chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao, who arrived at the protest site, addressed the gathering but did not commit to an exact date for the opening of the 19-km line. He reiterated that BMRCL is “hopeful” of opening the line by Aug 15, subject to statutory clearance from the commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) for opening the line with available three set of trains.“We have received three train sets for the line. Signalling tests have been finalised. As per contract conditions, an independent safety assessment of the signalling system is required. This certification is expected by July 7 or 8. Thereafter, we will seek regulatory clearance from the commissioner of CMRS. From Aug–Sept, we expect to receive two train sets per month. With the currently available three train sets, we can open the line, subject to regulatory clearance. We are confident that we will be able to open the line before Aug 15,” he said. He also stated that an assessment will be made on whether to open five or six Metro stations initially, or the entire line. “If five to six stations are opened, trains can run at a frequency of 20 minutes. If the entire line is opened, frequency will be around 30 minutes. We need to assess potential ridership, considering the heavy traffic flow on Hosur Road,” he added.Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya warned that if BMRCL fails to open the line before Aug 15, BJP will stage protests at all Metro stations along the 19-km Yellow Line.Tender for Phase III by year-endTejasvi Surya also raised objections to the delay in floating tenders for Phase III of the Metro (JP Nagar to Kempapura and Hosahalli to Kadabagere), which was approved by the Centre a year ago. He pointed out that after the Central nod, the state govt’s proposal to build a double-decker line along the 45-km corridor has led to an inordinate delay.Responding to this, Maheshwar Rao said: “BMRCL is borrowing from JICA for this project. Environmental and social impact surveys are under way and will soon be made public for citizen feedback. While the loan agreement is expected to be finalised by March, we are in talks with JICA to float tenders with their prior approval. Detailed drawings are nearing completion and we also require JICA’s nod for tender documents. Tenders will be floated by the end of the year.”Box -1 Demand for Fare Fixation Committee reportDuring the protest, Tejasvi Surya demanded that BMRCL disclose the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) report, which was the basis for the steep hike in Namma Metro fares in Feb.Surya said: “Citizens have every right to know on what basis the FFC recommended the hike. Namma Metro is being built with taxpayers’ money. Why is BMRCL hiding the report from the public? It’s not a secret document that would benefit countries like Pakistan or China.” In response, the BMRCL MD said: “The report will be made public after receiving clearance from the govt.” Box – 2Underpass Near Raghavendra Swamy MuttTo ease traffic congestion on Marenahalli Road, particularly between RV Road and the Ragi Gudda Metro station stretch, elected representatives demanded the construction of an underpass near Raghavendra Swamy temple. Maheshwar Rao assured that the issue would be discussed with the state govt.