Will ensure Cantonment Metro, railway stations are integrated, says MP Mohan

BMRCL’s move to shift its Metro station from Cantonment Railway Station to Abdul Bari’s High School ground “to reduce the cost” has not gone down well with activists.

Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha member P C Mohan has also promised to take up the issue. While the original detailed project report (DPR) prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation had proposed the Metro station right opposite the Cantonment Railway Station, BMRCL changed the alignment to reduce the curve of the line as well as the cost by Rs 1,000 crore.

“Some activists have approached me. I think it is vital to link both the stations. The suburban rail and Metro should go hand in hand. I will talk to the BMRCL managing director and officials concerned to ensure that the Metro and railway are integrated,” Mohan told DH.

Mohan, who took up the demand for a suburban railway with the railway ministry, said it was essential to link the local train system with the Metro. When asked about the state government’s contention that going with the original DPR will cost BMRCL Rs 1,000 crore more, Mohan said, “The cost of the project is secondary. People’s convenience should be given importance more than the cost. I will speak to officials in (central) Urban Development Department and get more details,” he said.
Urban transport expert Sanjeev Dyamannavar questioned the basis for the calculation of Rs 1,000 crore additional cost.

“The DPR for Phase 2 was approved by the state and the Centre after considering the cost of Rs 26,000 crore,” he said.

Noting that DMRC’s expertise was visible in their DPRs for Nagpur, Kochi, Pune, Vijayawada and other Metro projects, he said experts have approved the line after considering its curvature. “The state government can’t change it overnight. This will isolate the Cantonment Metro station from all modes of transport,” he added.