Bengaluru-Hosur Metro line: TN plans feasibility study, raises hackles

BENGALURU: Any new Metro line will only bring more cheer to Bengalureans. However, one project is being met with stiff opposition, espcially by pro-Kannada groups.

The contentious Bengaluru-Hosur Metro proposal is back on the discussion table after the Tamil Nadu government allocated Rs 75 lakh for a feasibility study for extending the Namma Metro line up to Hosur.

The Krishnagiri MP had, years ago, suggested that the Metro line, which runs up to Bommasandra, can be extended up to Hosur in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. Though the Karnataka government was initially enthusiastic about the possibility, it backtracked after opposition from within the state.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has distanced itself from the proposal saying every study undertaken cannot be executed.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Praveen Shetty faction) has warned of agitation if the extension of the line is considered. “We need development works to happen, but we should also consider where development is needed. While going to the international airport, people gets stuck for long at the Hebbal flyover. The government should have considered a Metro line and a steel bridge there, but it doesn’t seem to be bothered”, he said.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Praveen Shetty faction has warned of agitaiton is any such proposal is considered.

“Tamil Nadu had earlier demanded that Bengaluru should be declared a centrally-administered territory. Now, that state is exerting pressure on the Centre for the Hosur Metro line. If the proposal goes through, Tamilians will snatch the jobs of Kannadigas in IT, BT and other sectors. They will live in Tamil Nadu and commute to Karnataka by Metro and earn from here. This can create problems for Kannadigas and for Kannada language. Keep the Metro within the state borders or else we will launch an agitation at the border”, Praveen Shetty warned.

“If the city of Bengaluru, which was built by Kempegowda, is to remain safe, development should be taken up within Karnataka. IT/BT industries should be taken to Belagavi where Marathis are creating problems, and employ Kannadigas there”, Shetty added.