Bengaluru Metro Reduces Land Requirement at Hebbal Amid Legal and Political Pressure

BMRCL (Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited) has significantly reduced its land requirement at Hebbal from over 45 acres to just 9 acres. This decision comes after facing numerous logistical constraints and mounting political and real estate pressures. The corporation has now dropped its plan for a full-fledged stabling depot on the Hebbal–Sarjapur metro corridor.

Initially, BMRCL had ambitious plans to develop an integrated hub at Hebbal, which would include a depot, parking facilities, and transit amenities. However, these plans were shelved after the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) proposed using the same land for a 14-km Hebbal tunnel road. This alternative project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the area.

At a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Industries Minister MB Patil, BMRCL was advised to reduce its footprint to accommodate other critical infrastructure projects. This decision reflects the government's commitment to balancing the needs of various stakeholders and ensuring the efficient use of land resources.

The 45-acre land at Hebbal has been embroiled in a legal and ownership dispute since 2004, involving the Lake View Tourism Corporation and the KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board). Despite BMRCL offering ₹551.15 crore for the land in July 2024, real estate developers strongly opposed the move, citing a court order that favored the private party.

Despite the ongoing dispute, KIADB has previously transferred portions of the land to public projects such as the NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) and BMRCL’s airport line. This history of land transfers underscores the complex nature of land acquisition and development in the region.

The reduction in land requirement by BMRCL is expected to ease some of the legal and political tensions surrounding the project. It also aligns with the broader goal of promoting sustainable urban development and ensuring that public infrastructure projects proceed without unnecessary delays.

In conclusion, the decision to scale down the land use at Hebbal is a strategic move by BMRCL to navigate the challenging landscape of urban development in Bengaluru. By reducing its footprint, the corporation aims to facilitate the implementation of other crucial infrastructure projects and contribute to the city's overall growth and development.