Bengaluru Metro Controversy: Bettahalasuru Metro Station Axed After Embassy Group Fails To Give 120 Cr Funding

In the Karnataka Assembly, BJP MLA Munirathna and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clashed over the exclusion of Bettahalasuru station from Bengaluru Metro's Phase 2B. This phase, known as the Blue line, connects to Kempegowda International Airport. The station was initially part of the plan but was dropped due to funding issues with Embassy Group.

The Embassy Group had agreed to finance the construction of Bettahalasuru station, as outlined in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) approved in 2018. However, they have only contributed Rs 1 crore out of the promised Rs 120 crore. Consequently, despite land acquisition and DPR approval, the station has been removed from Phase 2B.

Funding Dispute Over Metro Station

During Question Hour, Shivakumar explained that Embassy Group's failure to pay led to the station's exclusion. He noted that although the group committed to funding, they have not fulfilled their financial obligations. This decision has sparked debate about private funding's role in public infrastructure projects.

MLA Munirathna raised concerns about how a private entity's funding lapse could halt a public project. He emphasized that the station serves public interests and urged government intervention. Local MLA Krishna Byre Gowda also highlighted the station's importance in a letter to Shivakumar.

Accusations and Counterclaims

Shivakumar countered Munirathna's arguments by pointing out his ownership of 70-80 acres near the proposed station site. He suggested that Munirathna's insistence on developing the station was driven by personal interests rather than public benefit.

"As per norms, it is allowed to name the station after a company if they sponsor the construction with CSR funds," Shivakumar stated. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised this model during an event attended by Opposition leader R Ashoka.

Embassy Group's Involvement Elsewhere

The controversy arises while Embassy Group is involved in another Metro project through Vikas Telecom Pvt Ltd, part of Embassy Office Parks REIT. They are funding Rs 100-crore for Kadubeesanahalli station on Outer Ring Road under Phase 2A of Bengaluru Metro.

This station will be named 'Embassy Tech Village Kadubeesanahalli Metro Station' and is part of a 17-km stretch from Central Silk Board to KR Puram with 16 stations. The group's involvement here contrasts with their incomplete commitment at Bettahalasuru.

Munirathna quipped that if Shivakumar called Embassy builders, they would pay within 24 hours since builders in Bengaluru only listen to him. In response, Shivakumar remarked that self-interest is natural and offered to name the station after Munirathna if he funded it himself.