Transfer of Hebbal land to BMRCL top priority, says Minister Patil-OxBig News Network

The Karnataka government has prioritised transferring 45 acres of land in Hebbal to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for the development of a multi-modal transport hub. However, legal hurdles must first be addressed before proceeding with the land transfer, said Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil on Saturday.

On Thursday, MLA S. Suresh Kumar wrote a letter to Mr. Patil and Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar, asking them to direct the Karnataka Industrial Development Board (KIADB) to hand over the land to BMRCL. He also emphasised that a private entity is planning to build a five-star hotel in the same land.

In an official release, Mr. Patil stated that the total land under discussion in Hebbal spans 55 acres and 13 guntas. Of this, BMRCL has requested 45 acres and 5 guntas for metro development. A meeting was held on Friday by Mr. Shivakumar and Mr. Patil to assess the legal challenges.

“The first step is to resolve existing legal issues; otherwise, the situation may become more complicated,” Mr. Patil explained.

The previous BJP government had granted a three-year extension for an ongoing project related to the disputed land. Additionally, a court order is in place, making an immediate transfer to BMRCL legally complex. “As a minister, it is inappropriate to bypass government and judicial decisions. Any unilateral decision could lead to further complications,” Mr. Patil emphasised.

“The government is exploring all possible solutions, including discussions with project stakeholders and legal interventions. While the establishment of a multi-modal transport hub in Hebbal will benefit millions, rushing the process could create new challenges. At the same time, unnecessary delays must be avoided to ensure the swift execution of a public-interest project. The government is committed to both legal compliance and development. Various options are being evaluated to ensure a smooth land transfer,” he said.