The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the defence authorities have locked horns over ownership of 3 acres of land which can be used to solve the parking problem around the metro station.
The disputed land is situated on Cubbon Road, opposite Defence Canteen and adjacent to Chinnaswamy stadium. This piece of land was used by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for construction of Metro around MG Road.
The BMRCL claims that the land belongs to the state government and they plan to use the land for construction of Metro office and parking lot for its commuters. But defence officials say that the land belongs to them.
A defence ministry official who didn’t wish to be named told Deccan Herald, “The entire stretch on either side on the Cubbon Road belongs to the defence. This includes the said area and the stadium. But now the case is before the state government.”
BMRCL General manager (Finance) and Chief Public Relations Officer, U A Vasanth Rao, said, “The land is a part of Metro site and we are planning to construct a parking lot and Metro office. But since land ownership with defence authorities has become an issue, we have knocked on the government’s door.”
The Army-Civil Coordination Committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Arvind Jadhav is looking into the disputed land case now.
Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department Mahendra Jain said both the Army and state government have claimed ownership of the land. “We have to look into the records. The matter is being referred to the revenue department to verify records.”
If the land is utilised for parking, the traffic menace and unregulated parking around the CBD can be eased. People can park their vehicle here and use public transport. Some space can be used for putting up a bus stop.
Further, parking can be restricted on MG Road, Cubbon Park, Church Street, Commercial Street and surrounding areas, explained a senior traffic police official.
V Ravichandar, a Bengaluru-based civic activist and member of Bengaluru Blue Print Action Group said it is worthwhile to use land wherever possible to ease mobility.
The disputed land is situated on Cubbon Road, opposite Defence Canteen and adjacent to Chinnaswamy stadium. This piece of land was used by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for construction of Metro around MG Road.
The BMRCL claims that the land belongs to the state government and they plan to use the land for construction of Metro office and parking lot for its commuters. But defence officials say that the land belongs to them.
A defence ministry official who didn’t wish to be named told Deccan Herald, “The entire stretch on either side on the Cubbon Road belongs to the defence. This includes the said area and the stadium. But now the case is before the state government.”
BMRCL General manager (Finance) and Chief Public Relations Officer, U A Vasanth Rao, said, “The land is a part of Metro site and we are planning to construct a parking lot and Metro office. But since land ownership with defence authorities has become an issue, we have knocked on the government’s door.”
The Army-Civil Coordination Committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Arvind Jadhav is looking into the disputed land case now.
Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department Mahendra Jain said both the Army and state government have claimed ownership of the land. “We have to look into the records. The matter is being referred to the revenue department to verify records.”
If the land is utilised for parking, the traffic menace and unregulated parking around the CBD can be eased. People can park their vehicle here and use public transport. Some space can be used for putting up a bus stop.
Further, parking can be restricted on MG Road, Cubbon Park, Church Street, Commercial Street and surrounding areas, explained a senior traffic police official.
V Ravichandar, a Bengaluru-based civic activist and member of Bengaluru Blue Print Action Group said it is worthwhile to use land wherever possible to ease mobility.
