The detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed Namma Metro rail link to Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) will be ready in five months, said N Sivasailam, Managing Director, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), on Saturday.
Speaking at an interaction with the members of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), Sivasailam said there were indications that even the Central government was keen on the Metro link to BIA.
“Recently, the chief minister of Karnataka got positive responses from the prime minister and Union urban development minister in this regard. Once the approval is given, we will take up the the project as part of the phase II itself,” he added.
The Corporation suggested the Central government that the proposed Metro corridor from Gottigere to Nagavara be extended up to the BIA, under phase II.
Toilets outside station
The Corporation has been considering providing space for public toilets outside the Metro stations.
But, Sivasailam said, the public should not convert the Metro into a public toilet.
Sivasailam also said parking provisions were being created at the Metro stations, wherever possible. “However, parking at Metro stations will be a costly affair as the same can’t be subsidised,” he said.
The floor area ratio (FAR) around Metro stations has been relaxed to 500 metre and it will give ample scope for development around stations.
Road repair
To an allegation by a FKCCI member on the BMRCL’s failure to restore damaged roads along the Metro corridors, he said: “Metro is not responsible for the bad state of roads along its corridors. It’s the job of the civic agencies to restore them. Just like sanitation problem pertains to BWSSB, road problems pertain to the corresponding civic agency. Our job is to build Metro.”
Defacing pillars
On defacing of the Metro pillars, Sivasailam said he cannot deploy policemen to guard them.
“Public should have common sense. Film posters are being pasted on Metro pillars. Thankfully, there are no political posters,” he said.
FKCCI President K Shiva Shanmugam said there was a need for the transport planners to streamline public conveyance by extending BMTC bus services to link the Metro stations and eliminating duplication of routes.