Dasarahalli, Nagasandra station subways after NHAI approval

BMRCL's latest move to provide for subways to access Dasarahalli and Nagasandra Metro stations on National Highway-48 may face yet another hurdle over making payment to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for use of its land.

In September, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) called tenders for the construction of a subway each for two elevated Metro stations at Dasarahalli and Nagasandra, where people are forced to cross the busy NH-48 to access the stations.

The last date for submission of tenders is December 4, when the bids are opened and the contracts are likely to be awarded. However, the NHAI has written to BMRCL, saying that they have to deposit about Rs 2.5 crore for 30 years towards way-leave charges (for land use).

Sources in BMRCL said it was part of NHAI procedure to get the way-leave charges before allowing use of its land. "As per rule, we have to deposit the money or seek exemption from NHAI central office in New Delhi, before starting the work," the sources said.

When asked whether the work on the subway would be delayed, the sources said BMRCL managing director Pradeep Singh Kharola had written to NHAI, seeking exemption.

"The stretch has seen several accidents due to lack of subways.

"Since this is a project taken up purely for convenience of the public, we hope to get the exemption at the earliest," the sources said.

NHAI regional officer Y Venkatareddy Prasad said the highway authority would facilitate the early completion of work. "We do have the procedure. But considering that BMRCL has received exemption for use of our land for building the Nagasandra-BIEC Metro line, this is a small stretch of land which is likely to get similar exemption soon," he said.

Station junction big mess

The tender called by BMRCL does not include the subway for Jalahalli Metro station, a junction that sees heavy traffic congestion.

"Jalahalli intersection poses major threat to pedestrians as vehicles come from all sides at the intersection. BMRCL should have taken up the subway work on priority," said sources in Peenya traffic police.

Kharola and BMRCL spokesperson U A Vasanth Rao could not be reached for comments.