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A proposed connection between Bengaluru's metro system and the industrial town of Hosur in Tamil Nadu has ignited a controversy in Karnataka, with pro-Kannada groups vehemently opposing the move. Their primary concern is the potential for increased migration from Tamil Nadu to Bengaluru, a development they believe will exacerbate existing challenges for the local population in the IT capital. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited has initiated a feasibility study for this proposed interstate metro, which would span 23 kilometers, with approximately 11 kilometers in Tamil Nadu and 12 kilometers in Karnataka. The project envisions 12 metro stations and a depot along the route.
Narayan Gowda, president of the pro-Kannada organization Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, expressed strong opposition to the project. He argued that linking the Namma Metro to Tamil Nadu would facilitate further migration, potentially making life more difficult for Kannadigas. Gowda highlighted the already substantial presence of Tamil Nadu residents in Bengaluru, particularly in border areas like Attibele and Electronic City, where they work in major companies. He asserted that the Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, has not yet made a definitive decision on the project, but he intends to raise the issue with them.
The Karnataka government's stance on the project has been characterized by ambiguity. While they approved a pre-feasibility study conducted by Tamil Nadu, they have expressed reluctance to share the project's financial burden. The state's concerns stem from the observation that Hosur has increasingly attracted investments, particularly in the manufacturing sector, at the expense of Bengaluru. A prominent example is Ola, a Bengaluru-based company that has established a manufacturing facility in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. This trend of businesses choosing Hosur-Krishnagiri over Bengaluru has further fueled anxieties among pro-Kannada groups.
Pro-Kannada activists argue that the priority should be safeguarding Karnataka's interests by attracting investment and creating jobs within the state, rather than investing in infrastructure that benefits Hosur. Sajith, a pro-Kannada activist, emphasized the importance of prioritizing Karnataka's own development, questioning the rationale behind extending the metro to Hosur instead of investing in areas like Ramanagara or Bidadi within the state. He stressed that Tamil Nadu prioritizes its own interests and that Karnataka must adopt a similar approach, ensuring that investments do not flow to Hosur.
Adding to the tension, the Tamil Nadu government has announced plans for an airport in Hosur, a move that could potentially divert passengers from south Bengaluru, including Electronic City, which is located 35 kilometers from the IT belt. The opposition in Karnataka has also joined the call for the government to clarify its position on the metro connection. Nandiesha Reddy, general secretary of the BJP in Karnataka, urged the government to take a clear stand, arguing that the focus should be on expanding the metro within Bengaluru, particularly in areas along the heavily trafficked outer ring road that lack metro connectivity.
The Congress government in Karnataka has sought to appease the concerns of the state's population by assuring that they will prioritize the interests of Kannadigas and Bengaluru. Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad stated that they would carefully evaluate the project once the feasibility study is complete. Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Metro's yellow line, connecting Bommasandra and RV Road, is anticipated to become operational by December 2024. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has also commissioned Aarvee Associates to conduct a feasibility study for extending the yellow line from Bommasandra to Attibele, a distance of 11 kilometers, near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.
The proposed metro link between Bengaluru and Hosur has become a focal point of debate, highlighting the complex interplay of economic development, regional concerns, and political agendas. The controversy reflects the ongoing competition for investment and resources between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and it remains to be seen how the Karnataka government will navigate these competing interests in making a final decision on the project.