Bengaluru: In a rare early-morning ground inspection, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda on Saturday conducted a detailed review of Namma Metro Phase-2B works between Nagawara Metro Station and Bagalur Cross, coming down heavily on officials over prolonged delays, road blockages, and public inconvenience.
The inspection began at 7:00 AM, covering key stretches including Nagawara, Veerannapalya, Hebbal, Esteem Mall Junction, Allalasandra, Jakkur Aerodrome, Battarayana Pura, and Kodigehalli.
Officials from Bengaluru North City Corporation, BMRCL, BWSSB, and BESCOM accompanied the Minister.
Visibly upset over the pace of execution, Byregowda questioned metro engineers and contractors on the spot, asking how two full years had passed without completion of even basic pillar works at several locations.
“If nothing has moved for one year, what were you doing all this time?
Now you say everything will be completed in two months — what magic will you perform?”
the Minister asked officials during the inspection.
He also flagged inconsistent work execution, pointing out how construction had progressed in some sections while adjacent stretches were left untouched, causing unnecessary traffic congestion.
Footpaths, Service Roads Choked by Metro Debris
The Minister took strong objection to footpaths and service roads being dumped with construction debris, forcing pedestrians onto busy carriageways and worsening traffic conditions.
He instructed officials to immediately clear debris, reopen blocked service roads, and restore footpaths for public use.
Notably, metro officials were made to clear waste and obstructions on the spot, in the Minister’s presence.
Unscientific Road Closures Causing Daily Traffic Chaos
Byregowda also questioned why multiple roads were blocked simultaneously for metro works, creating daily gridlock for commuters.
“Why are you blocking roads unnecessarily and troubling the public every day?”
he asked, directing officials to remove avoidable barricades immediately and ensure smoother traffic flow.
Clear Deadline Warning Issued
The Minister issued a firm warning, directing metro authorities and contractors to:
- Accelerate stalled works
- Ensure coordinated execution across stretches
- Avoid piecemeal construction that disrupts traffic
- Complete Phase-2B works within committed timelines
He emphasised that public inconvenience due to poor planning will not be tolerated.
Key Inspection Highlights
- Phase-2B inspection from Nagawara to Bagalur Cross
- Pillar construction delayed at multiple locations
- Footpaths and service roads blocked by debris
- Immediate debris clearance ordered and enforced
- Unnecessary roadblocks flagged
- Contractors and engineers questioned on timelines
- Strong push for faster completion of metro works
