06/05/2019

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Bengaluru Metro airport line to

now run through Hebbal 
Metro changed plan due to the presence of a high-pressure Bengaluru-Mangaluru
petroleum pipeline passing through the originally proposed route.

Published: 12th October 2018 07:54 AM  |   Last Updated: 12th October 2018 11:47 AM   |   A+ A  A-

Bangalore Metro Rail (Photo | EPS)

By S Lalitha
Express News Service

BENGALURU:    The Metro line proposed from Nagawara to Kempegowda

International Airport (KIA) is likely to be realigned to run through Hebbal. The
realignment is being considered by the state as well as Bangalore Metro Rail
Corporation Limited (BMRCL) due to the presence of a high-pressure Bengaluru-
Mangaluru petroleum pipeline passing through the originally proposed route,
thereby ruling out any construction activity in its vicinity, said highly placed
sources.

As per the original Detailed Project Report of the Phase-2B Metro line, the 29.62-km
line was to begin at Nagawara, head to RK Hedge Nagar via Thanisandra Main
Road. It was to then turn left to Jakkur Flying School and take the Ballari Main

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Road to terminate at the airport. The Rs 5,950-crore line was approved by the state
cabinet on December 11, 2017, and was slated have six stations — R K Hegde Nagar,
Jakkur, Yelahanka (Kogilu Cross) and Chikkajala apart from two stations inside
KIA. The 21.25-km Gottigere-Nagawara line (red line), which has the longest
underground corridor of Phase-II, will connect with the airport line when ready. 

“The new proposal suggests taking the line directly from Nagawara station via
Outer Ring Road to Hebbal and then taking Ballari Main Road right up to Jakkur
Flying School. From there, the alignment will remain the same as the original
plan,” said a source. 

Explaining the reasons for the sudden change in alignment long after it had been
approved, a source said, “There are practical problems. The presence of the high-
pressure petroleum pipeline which passes between Hegde Nagar and the flying
school has forced this rethink. Due to safety regulations, no construction can come
up for up to 9 metres on either side of the pipeline.”

There is a major water pipeline too which is in the way, but some kind of
arrangement can be worked out for that. “The petroleum pipeline cannot be
touched,” the source explained. If the proposal is approved by the Cabinet, then a
Metro station will come up at Hebbal instead of RK Hegde Nagar.

Pressed for details on the revised cost or length of the Metro line, an official said,
“The distance will be almost the same. We are still working out other details. It will
be made public by the government when it is all completed.”As per both the old
and new plan, the Metro line will mostly be elevated barring a small section near
the Yelahanka air force station where it will run at ground level and then continue
as an elevated line.

Taking a different route

■ No construction can be taken up on either side of high-pressure petroleum
pipeline running through original Metro route 
■ Metro station will come up at Hebbal instead of R K Hegde Nagar
■ Distance to airport will be almost the same as originally planned

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TAGS Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited

bengaluru metro

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