Karnataka Govt to appoint expert agency to review Phase 1, 2 of Bangalore Metro Project

Bengaluru, India (Urban Transport News): During the hearing of a petition filed by D T Devare and Bangalore Environment Trust on Wednesday, a division bench led by Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka had asked the Karnataka government and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) whether they are prepared for a review by an expert agency of adherence to the conditions set in the Memorandum of Undertakings (MoUs), including the Comprehensive Mobility Plan and the Integrated Traffic Rationalisation Plan.

In response to the question raised by the division bench, the advocate appeared for the state government and the BMRCL told the High Court of Karnataka that they are ready to appoint an expert agency to ascertain whether the conditions set by the Central Government have been followed in phase 1 and 2 of Bangalore Metro Rail project.  

The government informed the court that either the Centre for Infrastructure, Sustainable Transport and Urban Planning (CSTUP) at the Indian Institute of Science or the Centre for Public Policy, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), may be considered for reviewing and submitting the report. 

The petitioner in their Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenged that the conditions stipulated by the MoUs of Central Government (for Phase 1 by December 2010 and for Phase 2 by February 2017) were not met. 

The high court adjourned the hearing until April 1 after the government sought time to file a response.