Protect public interest: MLA S Suresh Kumar on KIADB land

Bengaluru: Rajajinagar MLA S Suresh Kumar penned an open letter on Thursday, urging Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Industries Minister MB Patil to prioritise public interest and facilitate the transfer of 45 acres of Hebbal land to Namma Metro at the earliest.

The land, Kumar said, is essential for the construction of a multi-modal transport hub and a stabling depot due to the scarcity of open land in the area.

"The Namma Metro project is crucial for the city's development, as Bengaluru continues to battle severe traffic congestion, causing widespread hardship to residents," stated the MLA.

He further highlighted that in its letter dated March 2024, Namma Metro agreed to compensate the land losers for the acquisition of the 45 acres, which is under control of the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB).

"However, delays from both the urban development and commerce and industries departments are hindering the land transfer, which is in turn delaying the project’s progress," Kumar said. He also appealed to the government not to bow down to the influence of the real estate lobby and to act in the best interest of the public.