BMTC asks Namma Metro for funds

Bengaluru: The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which is expected to provide  feeder services to the Metro Rail, has written to BMRCL's Managing Director, Pradeep Singh Kharola, for funds to help it run them.  “We have 186 feeder buses to complement Metro Phase-1 as of now. But we need to add more and so have requested BMRCL for financial help,” said a BMTC official.

The transport corporation’s request does not surprise civic activists familiar with its financial health. 

Mr Vinay Sreenivasa of the Bengaluru Bus Prayannikara Vedike has argued in the past that it is impractical to ask a cash- strapped BMTC, which does not have enough buses on existing routes,  to  provide feeder buses to the Metro.   

He believes that if the state government can pump thousands of crores into the Metro Rail, it can also fund the BMTC’s feeder bus services. When contacted, BMTC chairman, Nagaraj Yadav contended that the request for funds was justified as the feeder services were a joint operation of his corporation and the BMRCL. 

“The Union government must work with us to create a mechanism to integrate the Metro and road corporations, rationalise pricing and make it safe and affordable,” he said. 

“When the Centre is pumping in money for Metro Rails all over the country using the taxpayers’ money, it should also fund road corporations like the BMTC. If a joint transport corporation is set up, it will remove unhealthy competition and funds can be transferred wherever needed. Ultimately it will be the people who will benefit.” he added.  

As of now eight Metro stations on the Purple Line — Trinity, Magadi, City Railway, Central College, Vidhan Soudha, Cubbon Park, Halasuru and Hosahalli — are not connected by feeders. 

This is true also for the 12 Metro stations of Dasarahalli, Peenya Industry, Peenya, Yeshwanthpur, Sandal Soap Factory, Mahalaxmi, Rajajinagar, Kuvempu Road, Srirampura, Chickpete, K.R Market and Jayanagar on the Green Line.