The present controversy with regard to realignment of the Metro tracks for Phase 2 is a matter of taking a call between two issues of public interest - one regarding the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology and the other, people grievances about change in alignment. While the Metro is open to grievance redressal and negotiation, those who are not convinced may take judicial recourse, said BMRCL MD N Sivasailam. He was speaking on the sidelines of the release of B.PAC’s charter here on Saturday.
“We have put up details of the alignment and objections on the website. We will try to convince those with objections. But, we are an interested party and if they are not convinced, they can take judicial recourse”, he said.
To a question with regard to delays with the construction of the Namma Metro, Sivasailam said the problem was largely due to issues in the tendering process.
“Every time a tender is cancelled, we have to wait nine months to recuperate. No contractor wants delay”, he said.
Transit-oriented development for Bangalore has to be promoted, he said, pointing out that Metro, as a system, was very beneficial for the poor.
“It has to be promoted by ensuring that a larger group of people has access to it. One way of getting this organised is by promoting more development on the outskirts.” he noted.
Regarding the Baiyappanahalli inter-modal tansit hub, Sivasailam said this will be part of Phase 2 and the concept had already been approved.