Bengaluru BJP MPs Tejasvi Surya and PC Mohan have strongly opposed the proposed scrapping of the Veterinary College metro station from the Phase 3 expansion plan. They disputed the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited's (BMRCL) claim of low projected ridership, alleging instead a deliberate attempt to prioritize the Hebbal tunnel road project.
MPs Question Ridership Data
Tejasvi Surya, MP from Bangalore South, questioned the basis of the ridership projections, stating that the Veterinary College area serves a large number of daily commuters, including students, faculty, and hospital visitors. He argued that the station would be crucial for reducing traffic congestion on the busy Bellary Road corridor.
PC Mohan, MP from Bangalore Central, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the metro station would provide seamless connectivity to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and other key institutions. He alleged that the decision to drop the station was influenced by interests promoting the Hebbal tunnel road project, which he claimed would benefit a select few.
Phase 3 Plans Under Scrutiny
The Phase 3 metro expansion, covering 44.65 km from Kempapura to JP Nagar 4th Phase, includes 22 stations. The Veterinary College station was initially part of the plan but was later recommended for removal by BMRCL due to low projected ridership. The MPs have demanded a review of the decision, citing the station's strategic importance.
The controversy comes amid ongoing debates over urban transport priorities in Bengaluru, with the Hebbal tunnel road project also facing scrutiny over its environmental impact and cost. The MPs have called for a transparent discussion involving all stakeholders before any final decision is made.
