A recent ruling by the Karnataka High Court has reignited debate over the future of a key multi modal transport hub in Bengaluru, with BJP MP Tejasvi Surya calling for urgent corrective action to support metro expansion plans at Hebbal.
Hearing petitions from landowners, the court ordered a CBI investigation into the 2004 acquisition of over 53 acres in Hebbal and Hebbal Ammanikere villages by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board, describing it as a "monumental fraud committed by state authorities in collusion, collaboration and criminal conspiracy" with Lakeview Tourism Corporation, a non-existent entity.
The land, originally earmarked for a tourism project, has remained unused for more than two decades, with compensation issues still unresolved.
Reacting to the verdict, Surya said, "A welcome judgement by the Karnataka High Court, which termed the 55-acre Hebbal land transfer to KIADB a "monumental fraud" and has ordered a CBI probe."
He further pointed to the implications for the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited, which had sought 45 acres at the site to develop a major multi-modal transit hub, including a metro depot and parking infrastructure.
"Last year, I had requested the MD @OfficialBMRCL to ensure that the 45 acres it had sought be secured. However, the Congress-led government forced it to settle for just 9 acres, compromising its plans for a multimodal hub and stabling depot at Hebbal - a crucial project where three Metro lines are required to efficiently integrate."
Currently, BMRCL is proceeding with a scaled-down plan on the limited land available, allocating space for the Phase 2B airport line station, parking, and supporting infrastructure.
The broader vision of transforming Hebbal into a seamless interchange linking multiple metro phases and suburban rail remains constrained.
Surya criticised the state's infrastructure priorities, stating, "The state government, instead of focusing on whimsical real estate & car-brained projects such as tunnel road, should prioritize the development of mass mobility and public transport systems."
With the court's findings now in focus, he added, "With the truth coming out, BMRCL should start taking all necessary steps to secure the full 45 acres required for the intermodal transit hub and depot at Hebbal as originally planned."
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