Yeshwanthpur Metro bridge hangs fire
The Railways said they had no problem with the bridge, provided BMRCL bears the cost.â€
Bengaluru: For those using Namma Metro to catch long distance trains from Yeshwanthpur, the crucial last mile connectivity continues to be elusive.
After reaching Yeshwanthpur metro station, they still have to still cross a busy road to reach the railway station, as the crucial foot over bridge project has been hanging fire, and activists blame it on BMRCL apathy.
Transport Expert and Rail Activist Sanjeev Dyamannavar said, “I filed an RTI with Railways and BMRCL about status of Yeshwanthpur foot over bridge connecting Metro and Railway station, three years ago. The Railways said they had no problem with the bridge, provided BMRCL bears the cost.”
However, an excerpt of BMRCL's RTI response in 2014 said, “The property between Yeshwanthpur Railway and Metro station was initially claimed by Railways. BMRCL had written to them and offered to share the cost. There is no response from Railways. BMRCL is yet to get permission and is pursuing it.”
The second RTI response by Metro in 2017, also filed by Dyamannavar said, “For the proposed construction of F.O.B, discussion with South Western Railway authorities is in advanced stage. However, this being a disputed land, further discussion to waive off the charges and handing over the disputed property is underway.” Questioning the discrepancy in statements of both government bodies, Dyamannavar said, “Why are they calling it a ‘disputed’ land? Who is the dispute against? Railways gave the go ahead to Namma Metro to construct the skywalk three years ago, when that metro line was inaugurated!”
He also questioned the Metro's attempts to get SWR to split costs, when BMRCL has enough funding for a simple foot over bridge. Despite repeated attempts, BMRCL did not respond to Deccan Chronicle.
Meanwhile, commuters continue to suffer while trying to cross the Tumakuru National Highway to go between Yeshwanthpur Metro and Railway stations.
Drawing parallel with Cantonment Metro station row, they wondered, “If it is taking more than three years to build a 200-metre long foot over bridge at Yeshwanthpur, how would Metro ensure a 800-metre long foot over bridge between Cantonment metro and Railway station?”