A proposed extension of the Bengaluru Metro to Tamil Nadu’s industrial town of Hosur has sparked controversy in Karnataka. Kannada groups are voicing strong opposition, fearing that the link will exacerbate migration from Tamil Nadu, complicating life for the local population in Bengaluru.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited is advancing a feasibility report for a 23-kilometer metro line connecting Bommasandra in Karnataka to Hosur in Tamil Nadu. This would be the first interstate metro in southern India, covering approximately 12 kilometers in Karnataka and 11 kilometers in Tamil Nadu, with 12 stations and a depot planned along the route.
Pro-Kannada groups, such as Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, argue against the extension, citing concerns that it would make it easier for more Tamil Nadu residents to migrate to Bengaluru. Narayan Gowda, president of the group, said, “We already see many people from Tamil Nadu working in our IT capital. Linking the metro to Tamil Nadu will only increase this trend and make life harder for Kannadigas. We have informed DK Shivakumar and the chief minister, and they have stated that no decision has been made yet.”
The Karnataka government has been reluctant to commit to the project, following Tamil Nadu’s pre-feasibility study. The state is hesitant about cost-sharing due to the loss of investments to Hosur, with major companies like Ola setting up manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu.
Pro-Kannada activists argue that resources should be used to attract more investments to Karnataka rather than extending the metro to a neighboring state. Sajith, another activist, emphasized, “Our focus should be on securing investments for Karnataka, not helping Tamil Nadu.”
Tamil Nadu’s plans for an airport in Hosur could further impact Bengaluru, drawing passengers from southern parts of the city. The opposition is pressing the Karnataka government for a clear stance on the issue. BJP Karnataka’s Nandiesha Reddy commented, “The government needs to prioritize expanding the metro within Bengaluru before considering interstate extensions.”
The Congress in Karnataka has promised to safeguard the state’s interests. “We will ensure the protection of Kannadigas and Bengaluru. The report will be reviewed once it is ready,” said Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad.
Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line, connecting Bommasandra to RV Road, is expected to be operational by December 2024. A feasibility study for extending this line to Attibele, near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, is also underway.
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