An undeniable sense of agony over their impending displacement but a reconciliation to the fact that it is for public good—is the overriding feeling of residents and businessmen residing in the Western corridor of the Metro Rail project. This stretch from the City Railway Station to the Mysore Road terminal runs into nearly six kms of the East–West Corridor which traverses 18.10 kms.

This stretch, officially known as Reach III, is elevated for the most part though it starts as an underground structure from the railway station. It emerges as an elevated structure on Magadi Road and continues so on the route it takes through Toll Gate, Hosahalli, Vijayanagar and Deepanjali Nagar before terminating at Mysore Road terminal.
 
Metrolife met people who have set up shop along the stretch as well as residents who will bear the brunt of development.

Basaveshwaranagar
The point where Metro Rail makes its first major impact is the Basaveshwaranagar slum, opposite Leprosy Hospital on Magadi Road. The 120 houses here will be demolished and people relocated in 240 apartments in the vacant land next to the hospital. These houses were allotted by the State to these people in 1991 on a token payment of Rs 100 each. The Scheduled Caste Improvement Association here played a key role in getting relocation. People had protested against Metro Rail earlier but relented after much persuasion from Gandhinagar MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao and top officials.

However, a top government source said the land is yet to be transferred to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) by the Health Department despite the commitment given by the government. “The Health Department is still keen on building a super speciality hospital here,” he said.

Association Secretary U Jayavelu says, “Our grouse is that the rehabilitation package clubs us with 120 families from Jai Bhimnagar slum, many of whom are rowdy elements.” General Secretary J Karan said, “We are emotionally attached to this spot. We must be compensated adequately.” Though quite satisfied with the alternative offered, he said, “A major loss is for families which have constructed multi-storeyed houses on one site. Only one site will be given as exchange for another. But we have decided to part with our land as Metro Rail will benefit future generations.”

Addressing the impact of Metro Rail on the displaced,  BMRCL Managing Director V Madhu said, “We are fully aware of the emotional impact on the lives of people when torn from the existing social fabric, an aspect no project can compensate. We are doing the maximum to compensate. In the case of   asaveshwaranagar slums, many reside in houses running below 400 sq ft and they will be rehabilitated in houses of 750 sq ft.”

Magadi Road
A stretch of Magadi Road consisting of 200 shops, mainly jewellers and pawn brokers, will also have to surrender a portion of their shops. Vinod Jain, who runs Subham Jewellers says, “I have not received any intimation, but my business will definitely suffer.”

Dr B C Venu, Administrative Medical Officer, Leprosy Hospital on Magadi Road says, “A 20-feet ramp will be constructed in the front portion of the hospital but we will not be inconvenienced. Our water tank will be demolished and rebuilt elsewhere.”

Vijayanagar
Hawkers of the Vijaynagar Fruits and Vegetables Association, on Service Road, are put off.  Fruit stall owner Imran says, “In the last 20 years, we have shifted our venue thrice inside Vijayanagar—MC Layout, Canara Bank Road and Service Road.”

Referring to the Hosahalli station that will come up near FabMall, store manager Chetana says, “More number of people will get down here and I believe it will be good for our business.” Dr H S Narayana Sharma, surgeon at Vijayanagar Hospital says, “The rail will reduce vehicular traffic. Only those who do roadside businesses should be worried.’’

Deepanjali Nagar   
The entire stretch of shops along Chord Main Road in Deepanjali Nagar which runs from Shani temple to the railway track corner will have to go. Prashanth of Shree Mahaveer Electricals says, “When I shift elsewhere, it will take me a year or two to get my business back on track.” A sentiment echoed by Harish Kumar who runs Balaji Stores.

A retired employee, Venkatesh, who runs an STD phone outlet says, “I have received two notices from the BMRCL and have replied conveying my opposition.  I do not want any compensation as it will not be enough to buy land at current rates.

“If I am relocated to BDO site, it will suit me.”

Mysore Road
Let us cross the bridge when we get to it, is the attitude of a few men like Nazeem Basha, who owns a small seat cover shop KGNM Seat Cover at Nayandahalli, Mysore Road. “Small people like us do not have enough money to relocate elsewhere. Let us wait and see what happens,” he says.

Bigger businesses atleast have options. Ramesh P Patel, proprietor of Purnima Timbers on Mysore Road has filed a case against BMRCL demanding more compensation for the 60-ft land to be taken away from their shop.
Another timber business located nearby, Gayatri Timbers will lose 80 ft x 100 ft space. A partner, Harshad R Patel, says, “We have to accept Metro Rail as it is for the welfare of the people. However, when supporting pillars come up in front of shops it will be difficult for trucks to transport materials.”

So what about the demand for increased compensation? The BMRCL MD has the last word: “The project is set to cost us over Rs 6,000 crore and the total compensation package is pegged at Rs 826 crores. If the demand for increased compensation has to be met, it might touch the cost of the project!”