The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is starting the acquisition process for properties needed for Namma Metro's Orange Line, connecting JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura. The initial project package identifies 299 private and 29 government properties for an elevated corridor to Mysuru Road. BMRCL plans to construct eight stations and a 3-km double-decker flyover along the route. To complete the 32.2-km line, 1,031 properties covering 1.43 lakh square metres must be acquired. Additionally, BMRCL is reconsidering the size of a planned depot near Byadarahalli due to complications with land ownership and costs.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is set to begin the process of acquiring properties for Namma Metro's Orange Line, which will connect JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura. As part of the first package of the project, 299 private properties have been identified for acquisition to enable the construction of an elevated corridor from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Mysuru Road. The list of these identified properties has been submitted to the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), which will issue a preliminary notification for the acquisition of the properties for Namma Metro.
A BMRCL official stated that the construction of an elevated corridor spanning 32.2 km will be carried out in three packages: from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Mysuru Road, from Mysuru Road to Kanteerava Studio, and from Kanteerava Studio to Kempapura. The first package requires the acquisition of 299 private properties and 29 government properties. The official mentioned that after completing the surveys, details regarding the private properties have been forwarded for the issuance of a preliminary notification. This notice is anticipated to be released in a few weeks, allowing property owners to raise any objections. They noted that while there are no high-rise buildings along the alignment, several commercial buildings, primarily three stories tall, are present.
On the stretch from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Mysuru Road, BMRCL has proposed stations at eight locations, including Dwaraka Nagar, Hosakerehalli, Kamakhya Junction, Kadirenahalli, and JP Nagar. In addition to the Metro stations and viaducts, properties have also been identified for constructing a 3-km double-decker flyover at Kanakpura Road Junction and Kamakhya Junction, as part of the original project design. To complete the 32.2-km elevated Metro line, BMRCL will need to acquire 1,031 properties, covering a total area of 1.43 lakh square metres, not including the land needed for the depot. An official mentioned that a feasibility study is underway for the proposed double-decker flyover along the route, adding that if the government decides to proceed with the construction, additional land will be required.
Initially, BMRCL had identified 75 acres near Byadarahalli police station for constructing a Metro depot, which was also intended for staff residential quarters. However, a court ruling indicated that the land was privately owned, complicating the acquisition process. A BMRCL official commented that acquiring private land in Bengaluru is costly. To lessen expenses, BMRCL is now considering reducing the size of the depot to 40-45 acres and abandoning plans for staff quarters. The official further noted that the management is exploring the possibility of purchasing flats from BDA residential projects in the nearby areas.
The acquisition process for Namma Metro's Orange Line marks a significant step forward in enhancing Bengaluru's public transport infrastructure. As BMRCL navigates the complexities of property acquisition, including legal challenges and high costs, its strategy to adapt by resizing the depot and considering alternative housing solutions reflects a proactive approach to project management. The planned stations and elevated corridor promise to improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion in the city. While challenges remain, the commitment to advancing this project underscores the importance of modernising urban transit systems to support the growing needs of Bengaluru's residents.
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