Karnataka: Hebbal Metro Corridor's Multi-Modal Transport Hub Faces Delays Over Unresolved Land Acquisition Issues

The proposed multi-modal transport hub at Hebbal, a critical facility for the Hebbal-Sarjapur Metro line (Orange Line), is facing delays due to unresolved land acquisition challenges.

The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has yet to transfer 55 acres of land in Amanikere village to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), delaying the project's progress.

The land, earmarked for a state-of-the-art transport hub with multi-level parking and a metro depot, remains under dispute.

Compensation concerns with private landowners have stalled the handover.

A private firm had earlier purchased 55.1 acres in the area for a tourism project but failed to execute it.

KIADB repossessed the land and issued a notice in June 2023, demanding Rs 12.10 crore per acre from the firm. However, the payment is still pending.

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje previously wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging swift action to resolve the matter.

She stated, “A timely decision will control escalating project costs and enhance the quality of life for citizens. The central government is fully supportive of developing Bengaluru, and KIADB should expedite the land transfer to BMRCL.”

TV Mohandas Pai, chairman of Aarin Capital, also emphasised the project's urgency.

In a post on X, he highlighted the need for 45 acres near Hebbal for the proposed tri-junction and transport hub, warning that delays are causing public anxiety.

The 36-km Hebbal-Sarjapur metro corridor, estimated at Rs 28,405 crore, requires 161.65 acres of land, including 45 acres for the depot and 6.65 acres for staff housing.

Acquiring private land will cost Rs 1,224 crore.

“We are facing delays due to certain technical issues in land acquisition," a BMRCL official was quoted as saying by Bangalore Mirror.

The official added that the project aims to decongest traffic and improve travel efficiency for metro users.

Rajajinagar MLA S Suresh Kumar also urged the Chief Minister to expedite the process.

“BMRCL submitted a proposal to the state government in March 2024 to transfer 45 acres under the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) in Hebbal, offering to pay the value fixed by the board. However, delays by the Industries Departments in transferring this land are creating unnecessary doubts, which is not in the public’s best interest,” he wrote.

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