Pro-Kannada Groups See Red Over Linking Namma Metro To Hosur: 'Easier For More People To Migrate'

A proposal to connect the Bengaluru Metro to Tamil Nadu's industrial hub of Hosur has stirred controversy in Karnataka, with several pro-Kannada groups voicing opposition.

These groups fear that the interstate metro project will lead to increased migration from Tamil Nadu to Bengaluru, further straining resources in the IT capital, reported News18.

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited has been working on a feasibility report for the proposed metro link, which would connect Bommasandra in Karnataka to Hosur in Tamil Nadu, marking southern India's first interstate metro system.

The project would cover a total length of 23 kilometers, with 12 kilometers in Karnataka and 11 kilometers in Tamil Nadu, including 12 metro stations and a depot along the route.

Narayan Gowda, president of the pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, voiced his concerns, saying, "We shouldn't link Namma Metro to Tamil Nadu. Already lakhs of people from Tamil Nadu have come here and built their lives. We are already seeing that in border areas like Attibele and Electronic City... If we link the metro to Tamil Nadu, it will become easier for more people to migrate, and it will make the lives of Kannadigas difficult."

Karnataka Government's Stance

The Karnataka government, while allowing Tamil Nadu to conduct a pre-feasibility study, has remained non-committal about the project.

The state government is reportedly reluctant to bear any cost-sharing responsibilities for the project, especially since Karnataka has been losing manufacturing investments to the Hosur region in Tamil Nadu.

For instance, Ola, headquartered in Bengaluru, chose to set up its manufacturing plant in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. Several other manufacturers have followed suit, preferring the Hosur-Krishnagiri area over Bengaluru.

Pro-Kannada activists argue that Karnataka's resources should focus on boosting local investments and job creation rather than facilitating easier access to Hosur.

Sajith, another pro-Kannada activist, stressed the need to prioritise Karnataka's interests: "The primary goal is to protect Kannadigas in Karnataka... We want to know why it is important to extend the metro to Hosur instead of Ramanagara or Bidadi in Karnataka. Tamil Nadu is very clear about its people and its state. Similarly, Karnataka has to understand the policies and programmes. We can't allow investment to move to Hosur."

Competitive Infrastructure Development

The project has drawn comparisons between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu's infrastructure development. Tamil Nadu has announced plans to develop an airport in Hosur, which would serve as a major competitor to Bengaluru's upcoming second airport.

If completed, the Hosur airport could attract passengers from South Bengaluru, particularly from Electronic City, which is only 35 km from the region, potentially reducing Bengaluru's air traffic.

Political Reactions

The political opposition in Karnataka has also raised questions about the government's lack of clarity on the issue.

Nandiesha Reddy, general secretary of the BJP Karnataka, urged the government to take a definitive stand, stating, "The government can't be non-committal; they should make their stand clear. The Karnataka government should focus on expanding the metro within Bengaluru. Large parts of outer ring road, which have heavy traffic, still do not have access to metro; that should be prioritised."

In response, the ruling Congress in Karnataka has assured that it will protect the state's interests.

Rizwan Arshad, a Congress MLA, promised that the government would carefully evaluate the feasibility report before making any decisions: "We will do everything to protect the interest of Kannadigas and Bengaluru. We will look at it when the report is ready."

Metro and Infrastructure Plans in Karnataka

Meanwhile, Bengaluru Metro's yellow line, connecting Bommasandra to RV Road, is slated to become operational by December 2024. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has also commissioned Aarvee Associates to conduct a feasibility study for extending the yellow line from Bommasandra to Attibele (11 km), which is located near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.

This move could pave the way for future developments along the border, although the extension of the metro into Tamil Nadu remains a contentious issue for many in Karnataka.