The big fight on Namma Metro’s alignment along the CMH Road is now truly on. Simmering discontent among businessmen over the Metro’s course spilled over to the streets on Wednesday.
Traders attached to CMH Road Shops and Establishments Association courted arrest, protesting against the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). The road-widening work that began in the morning had to be stopped.
Traders arrested
Several traders were arrested by the Indiranagar police under section 151 CrPC for obstructing a government agency from carrying out its work. They were released later.
Association president Imtiaz Ahmed told Deccan Herald that the BMRCL was not authorised to begin removal of footpath blocks to widen the road. “We have been petitioning the High Court for a change in the CMH Road alignment. When the matter is pending before the court, why the urgency to begin work. The BMRCL wants to convince the Government that the traders are in favour of Metro. They have not obtained the necessary clearances from the BBMP to begin the work,” he alleged.
A posse of policemen from the CAR (City Armed Reserve) were posted on the CMH Road to maintain law and order. The traders met BMRC MD V Madhu in the evening and sought a change in alignment. V Madhu said the road-widening work was essential as the BBMP had to prepare for the “piling” work scheduled for April. The BMRCL stuck to its point that the project was necessary and protests would only delay the project.
Police assistance
Police sources said there was no stay order to prevent the BMRCL from carrying out works to that effect, but only against taking over private property and its alignment on CMH Road.
The police is expected to continue providing assistance to the BMRCL to carry out the latter’s official duties.