The state government has scheduled a high-level meeting on Friday, led by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Minister MB Patil, to resolve the land acquisition deadlock for Bengaluru Metro’s Phase 3 project.
The meeting, involving the Urban Development Department and the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), will determine whether Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) can proceed with its proposed Multi-Modal Transport Hub in Hebbal.
Despite a previous discussion in October 2023, a decision on transferring 45 acres of land to BMRCL was not finalized. Experts believe real estate lobbying could be hindering the handover, making the outcome of this meeting crucial. Prominent figures, including MP Shobha Karandlaje and businessman Mohandas Pai, have urged the state government to expedite the land transfer for the Metro project.
Sources said the land was originally acquired by KIADB in 2000, for a company. As the company failed to develop it, BMRCL bought 6,712.97 sq mt at the rate set by KIADB. Now, it seeks an extra 45 acres for expansion for its Phase 3 project.
