Will BBMP benefit from the Metro?

BANGALORE: With huge investment on Namma Metro, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is expecting huge returns. On the other side, will Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) which invested so much of resources and time get its dues? The BBMP and the BMRCL have taken up the responsibility of all arrangements, including the preparation of the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Grounds and the surroundings for the inauguration of the Metro train services.  Not just this, the BBMP’s team, including Mayor Sharadamma, Deputy Mayor S Harish, Commissioner H Siddaiah, Chief engineers and other officials, is spending day and night, inspecting roads and footpaths leading from M G Road to Byappanahalli Metro stations. The BBMP is also leaving no stone unturned to beautify the place. Commissioner Siddaiah even instructed officials not to put any advertisement hoardings which mar the beauty of the roads. Apart from the appearance, the BBMP is also checking the security measures. Its personnel caught stray dogs even on Wednesday so that VIPs and public will have no “threat” from canines and later they will leave back canines on Friday, after the launch.With so much resource pooling, including human resource, the BBMP cannot expect more funds other than revenue generated through advertisements. When contacted K R Niranjan, Special Commissioner (Project, Resource and Finance), said the advertisement rights are vested with the BBMP. “I am sure they (BMRCL) will display advertisements where there is provision in their stations. If so, they have to pay the advertisement tax,” he added.On the other hand, Niranjan explained that with metro rail, traffic congestion is expected to reduce to some extent. “When vehicle population is reduced, roads will be better. With less traffic, public are benefited and if public gets benefit, the BBMP gets benefit in turn ,” he observed.