BMRCL trips on Reach 6 powerline

Bengaluru: The BMRCL is increasingly becoming opaque and this lack of transparency has left the city confused on the details of Phase 2. 

Activists have filed several RTI applications before Namma Metro, asking for the detailed project report, or DPR, of Phase 2, which was approved in 2014, but without success. 

Even on Wednesday, the BMRCL put out contradicting information on how power is supplied to Metro trains on Reach 6, which is the Gottigere-Nagawara line.

The BMRCL's Environment Impact Assessment, which was uploaded online, states that AC overhead cables will be used to supply electricity, as with the Indian Railways, instead of the DC 3rd rail line that is in vogue now. But Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola confirmed that the Metro will continue with the 3rd rail system on Reach 6 too. Another official said that the error in the online statement would be corrected soon. 

Experts pointed out that this is one of many ambiguities that could have been avoided if the DPR is put out in the public domain.

Activist Sanjeev Dyamnavar said, “When I filed an RTI for the DPR, BMRCL said they could not share it on security grounds. I replied saying that the Silk Board-KR Puram line DPR has been shared by them and other cities have also shared their Metro DPRs. Their second response was that they had entered into a commercial contract with DMRC and cannot reveal the document. DMRC has helped prepare the DPRs for Nagpur, Pune and Lucknow Metros and they have all shared it. When BMRCL is the owner of the document, they have the rights to reveal it.”

He said, “Transparency and accountability in terms of finances estimated and allocated, entry and exit points of stations, basis of selection of these points, traffic forecast, depth of UG line, number of properties to go, location of depots, etc are some of the many points unavailable to us.” 

Mr Dymanavar said, “After 42 months of the approval of DPR, they are still not able to decide on the spot for Whitefield depot, complete land acquisition for the Cantonment Metro station or avoid straying into elephant corridor, which has led to constant changes in the depot location.” 

He said that several citizens will file more RTIs in the coming days.