Namma Metro Hebbal Depot Plan Slashed from 45 Acres to 9 Acres Amid Political and Developer Pressure

In a surprising turn, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has reduced the size of its planned Hebbal Metro depot from 45 acres to just 9 acres. Initially envisioned as a full-fledged depot to support the upcoming 37-km Sarjapur-Hebbal metro line, the revised plan will now serve as a smaller multi-modal hub.

This downsizing decision is believed to be influenced by pressure from real estate developers and a push from BBMP for a 14-km tunnel road project through the same land. The 45-acre parcel in question was originally allotted in 2004 to the Lake View Tourism Board. However, the project never materialized due to non-payment of dues.

BMRCL made a fresh attempt to acquire the land in 2024, offering ₹551 crore. Yet, legal complications arose as the previous developers claimed rights to purchase the land at the 2004 rates, with court approvals backing their claims.

A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar and Industries Minister M.B. Patil reportedly directed BMRCL to scale down its acquisition to 9 acres. Political critics, including BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, have slammed the move as a setback to public transport and a win for land lobbies.

The smaller 9-acre plot may not be adequate for a full-scale depot, raising concerns about long-term operational efficiency for the Sarjapur-Hebbal corridor, part of Namma Metro Phase 3A. Meanwhile, BBMP’s tunnel plan continues to take center stage.

With urban development and mobility demands clashing, the final verdict on land use in Hebbal will likely depend on ongoing legal battles and political will. Stakeholders and citizens alike are watching closely as Bengaluru’s future infrastructure hangs in balance.

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Souce:Deccan Herald