BANGALORE: The South Western Railways (SWR) on Wednesday clearly stated that they would not allow the Bangalore Metro Railway Corporation (BMRC) to continue work at two sites, till the money dispute is sorted out.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials on Tuesday had rushed to Platform Road, when they heard about BMRC engineers trying to start work on the ramp towards Sampige Road Station. After a verbal brawl that ensued, the BMRC made a statement that citizens are being affected due to delay in work.
“We had made an appeal to the Empowerment Committee (EC) to sort out the matter. But the South Western Railway did not even wait for the decision to be made by the EC and has stopped work, causing inconvenience to citizens,” said Yashwant Chavan, official spokesperson of BMRC. The work was in connection with the underground construction at the North South corridor at Platform Road. BMRC has reiterated that even the State Government had earlier said that the SWR should wait for the decision of the EC.
But the SWR is furious with the BMRC, claiming that they are the ones who haven’t honoured the word of the State Government. “We are willingly waiting for the decision of the EC and we will follow the decision. This is our land and when we haven’t given them permission to proceed with work, how can they send their men to start work there?” questioned S Mani, Divisional Railway Manager, Bangalore Division, South Western Railway (SWR).
The SWR further reminded that no land transfer has taken place and that the BMRC owes them about `200 crore. Sounding a strict warning, the DRM further said, “We have had a meeting with the MD of BMRC Sivasailam. BMRC was fully aware that work would not be permitted till the money dispute is sorted out.”