Bengaluru: RTI responses reveal correspondence between the South Western Railway, Bengaluru division, and BMRCL on Cantonment Metro station alignment. Filed by activist and transport expert Sanjeev Dyamnavar, the documents reveal three issues.
Suspicious change in alignment
On May 11, former BMRCL MD Pradeep Singh Kharola wrote a letter to Divisional Railway Manager R.S. Saxena asking for land.
Mr Kharola wrote, "BMRCL is requiring land for construction of UG Cantonment station. Permanent land needed - 2472.448 square metres (0.61 acres) and temporary land for four years - 16234.407 square meters (4.01 acres). Apart from alignment, the structures like station entry/exit structures require large extent of land."
Pointing out the discrepancy, Dyamnavar said, "The two departments had a discussion on August 22, 2017. On August 24, BMRCL writes back saying that they have found alternative land at Bamboo Bazaar. This seems fishy as they changed the alignment without consultation of state government, elected representatives like MP P.C. Mohan and citizens."
He also pointed out that though BMRCL cited many technical excuses
of depth, curvature and length, the RTI mentions none of those reasons for the change of alignment.
Re-survey eyewash?
A September 20, 2017 letter by DRM to BMRCL reads, "Consequent upon approval of alternate location by High Power Committee, Board of Directors of BMRCL and as discussed during Joint Site inspection by DRM and MD in the presence of M.K. Sinha, MoUD on 13th September, the decision taken is confirmed. "
Rajkumar Dugar said, "In the correspondence, we can gather that Bamboo Bazaar alignment was predetermined. The re-survey of the old alignment held on November 11 was eyewash, as the change was secretly confirmed on September 20 itself between the two departments. They have been taking citizens on a ride and never seriously considered the original alignment."
Loss of open spaces for children
"The playground is about four acres. Going by their requirements, they will need 50 % of the playground land temporarily and 70% will be unusable by children for 4-5 years during construction," Dyamnavar said.
