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Karnataka HC disposes of plea for Metro station at Bettahalasuru Cross, directs govt, BMRCL to consider request

Karnataka High Court Disposes of Plea for Metro Station at Bettahalasuru Cross, Urges Govt and BMRCL to Evaluate Request

Bengaluru: In a significant development for urban commuters and residents in the northern outskirts of Bengaluru, the Karnataka High Court has disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the establishment of a metro station at Bettahalasuru Cross. The court's directive, issued on July 24, 2025, instructs the state government and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to carefully consider the plea and take appropriate action. This ruling comes amid growing demands for improved public transportation infrastructure in rapidly developing areas around the city, particularly those connecting to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and surrounding industrial hubs.

The PIL was filed by a group of local residents and activists, highlighting the acute need for better connectivity in the Bettahalasuru area, which serves as a vital junction for commuters traveling between Bengaluru city and regions like Devanahalli, Doddaballapur, and the airport vicinity. Petitioners argued that the absence of a metro station at this cross has led to severe traffic congestion, increased reliance on private vehicles, and heightened pollution levels. They pointed out that Bettahalasuru Cross is a strategic point on National Highway 44 (NH-44), which sees heavy daily traffic from airport-bound passengers, industrial workers, and local residents. The plea emphasized that integrating a metro station here could significantly alleviate these issues, promote sustainable urban mobility, and support the state's vision for a more connected Bengaluru Metropolitan Region.

Justice M. Nagaprasanna, presiding over the single-judge bench, acknowledged the merits of the petition during the hearing. While disposing of the case without delving into a full adjudication, the court stressed that infrastructure decisions of this nature fall under the purview of executive authorities. "The court cannot micromanage urban planning, but it can certainly direct the concerned bodies to examine legitimate public demands," Justice Nagaprasanna observed in his order. He directed the state government, through its Urban Development Department, and BMRCL to review the request within a reasonable timeframe, preferably within three months, and to provide a reasoned response to the petitioners. The judge also suggested that any feasibility study should incorporate public consultations, environmental impact assessments, and alignment with the ongoing Namma Metro Phase-2B project, which aims to extend the metro line from Nagawara to the airport.

This decision has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including urban planners and commuter associations. "Bettahalasuru Cross is a choke point that desperately needs intervention," said Ravi Kumar, a spokesperson for the Bengaluru Commuters' Forum, which supported the PIL. "With the airport's passenger traffic projected to exceed 100 million annually by 2030, extending metro access to such nodes is not just convenient—it's essential for decongesting roads and reducing carbon emissions." Kumar added that the area's proximity to major industrial zones, including the Aerospace Park and hardware technology parks, makes it a prime candidate for enhanced public transport options.

Background on the Namma Metro expansion provides crucial context to this plea. Bengaluru's metro network, operated by BMRCL, has been expanding rapidly under various phases to address the city's notorious traffic woes. Phase-2B, specifically, is a 37.92 km corridor from Silk Board to KIA, with an estimated cost of Rs 10,584 crore. This line is expected to include stations at key points like Hebbal, Yelahanka, and Jakkur, but Bettahalasuru Cross was not initially included in the detailed project report (DPR). Petitioners in the PIL contended that this omission was a oversight, given the cross's role as a major intersection where NH-44 meets state highways leading to rural Karnataka. They cited traffic data from the Bengaluru Traffic Police, which shows average daily vehicle counts exceeding 50,000 at the junction, leading to delays of up to 45 minutes during peak hours.

Environmental concerns were also a focal point in the petition. Advocates argued that a metro station could encourage modal shifts from cars to public transport, thereby cutting down on vehicular emissions in an area already burdened by airport-related pollution. "We're seeing rising air quality issues in north Bengaluru due to unchecked urbanization," noted environmental activist Priya Menon, who was part of the petitioning group. "A metro stop here aligns with the National Clean Air Programme and could integrate with green initiatives like electric feeder buses to the airport."

The state government's response during the court proceedings was measured. Represented by Additional Advocate General Vikram Huilgol, the government assured the bench that BMRCL is open to revisions in metro alignments based on public feedback and technical feasibility. "While the Phase-2B DPR is approved, additions like this can be considered if they don't disrupt the overall timeline or budget," Huilgol stated. BMRCL officials, when contacted post-hearing, indicated that they would form a committee to assess the proposal. "We'll look into land availability, passenger projections, and integration with existing plans," said a senior BMRCL engineer on condition of anonymity. "Bettahalasuru Cross is indeed a high-traffic area, and if viable, it could be incorporated as an infill station."

This isn't the first time public demands have influenced metro planning in Bengaluru. Similar petitions have led to adjustments in past projects, such as the addition of stations in Phase-1 after community outcry. For instance, the RV Road station was expedited following local representations. Experts believe this ruling could set a precedent for more participatory urban development. "Courts are increasingly acting as facilitators between citizens and authorities," said urban policy analyst Dr. Suresh Rao from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. "This directive ensures that voices from peripheral areas aren't drowned out in the rush for mega-infrastructure."

However, challenges remain. Adding a new station could escalate costs and delay the Phase-2B timeline, which is already behind schedule due to land acquisition hurdles and funding issues. The project, funded partly by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), requires meticulous planning to avoid international loan complications. Moreover, local landowners and businesses at Bettahalasuru Cross have mixed views. While some welcome the potential economic boost from increased footfall, others fear displacement or construction disruptions. "We need assurances that any development benefits the community without uprooting lives," said Lakshmi Narayan, a local shop owner.

The petitioners expressed optimism following the court's order. "This is a victory for common sense in city planning," said lead petitioner Arun Gowda. "We've been advocating for this for over two years, and now the ball is in the government's court." They plan to follow up with BMRCL and submit additional data, including traffic surveys and commuter testimonials, to strengthen their case.

As Bengaluru continues its transformation into a global tech hub, decisions like this underscore the tension between rapid expansion and inclusive growth. With the city's population surpassing 13 million and projected to hit 20 million by 2040, enhancing metro connectivity to underserved areas like Bettahalasuru is crucial. The court's intervention highlights the judiciary's role in nudging authorities toward responsive governance, potentially paving the way for a more equitable public transport system.

In the broader scheme, this plea reflects a national trend where courts are stepping in to address infrastructure gaps. Similar cases in Mumbai and Delhi have resulted in metro expansions benefiting lakhs of commuters. For Bengaluru, the outcome of this directive could mean shorter commutes, cleaner air, and a step closer to the dream of a seamless, airport-linked metro network. Residents and activists will be watching closely as the government and BMRCL deliberate on the next steps, hoping that Bettahalasuru Cross becomes more than just a congested junction—it becomes a gateway to efficient urban mobility.

Read the Full The New Indian Express Article at:
[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2025/Jul/24/karnataka-hc-disposes-of-plea-for-metro-station-at-bettahalasuru-cross-directs-govt-bmrcl-to-consider-request ]