Bengaluru: The BMRCL has finally taken cognizance of the citizen's campaign against the proposed change in the location of Cantonment Metro Station.
Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar met BMRCL MD Pradeep Kharola on Wednesday. "Kharola has assured that a presentation will be made to citizens by next week. He said he will explain to them how the change in alignment will not inconvenience commuters," the MP's office stated. Kharola told DC, “We will present facts to the residents about the new location of Cantonment Metro station.”
Reacting to this development, Rajkumar, who represents residents, said, "It is good that authorities have understood that the proposed alignment needs to be reviewed and explained to the public. Across the table, open public discussion is what we need.”
"They need to explain these facts, which we found to be untrue. They claim it is 250 metres between Cantonment Railway and Metro station, while in fact it is 800. Secondly, their claims of higher footfalls in the new alignment and saving of Rs 1000 crore needs to be reviewed," he said.
His press note further reads, “If citizens feel that having a metro at Cantonment railway station is convenient then, BMRCL has to heed to the suggestion. They as a public company funded by tax payers’ money, need to be answerable about this change. They cannot blackmail poor and helpless citizens."
Reacting to the first progress with the citizen's campaign, Rajkumar who represented concerned residents said," It is good that authorities have understood that the alignment needs to be reviewed and explained to the public. Across the table, open public discussion is what we need. It is however not good news that BMRCL is sticking to its point."
"They need to explain these facts, which we found to be untrue. First, the 250 metres between Cantonment Railway and Metro station when in fact it is 800 metres. Also, their points about higher footfall in the new alignment and saving of Rs 1000 crores needs to be reviewed," Rajkumar added.
