Why is Tejasvi Surya Protesting for the Yellow Line Metro Completion in Bengaluru?

Bengaluru, July 5 (NationPress) Bengaluru South MP and BJP Yuva Morcha National President Tejasvi Surya spearheaded a demonstration on Saturday advocating for the swift completion of the Yellow Line Metro project in Bengaluru.

Numerous residents joined him, including Bengaluru Central MP P. C. Mohan, BJP MLA Ravi Subramanya, and other party figures, all taking part in the protest. Participants brandished placards and chanted slogans aimed at the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

Some placards declared: "Enough of delays, provide a final deadline for Yellow Line", "Yellow Line delayed, Bengaluru betrayed."

During the protest, Tejasvi Surya remarked, "The only viable solution to Bengaluru’s traffic crisis is to minimize private vehicle usage and enhance public transport utilization. The Metro and RTC buses serve as pivotal modes of mass transit."

He noted that the Yellow Line, which links the residential zones of South Bengaluru to Electronics City, has faced nearly four years of delays. "Operations were anticipated to commence in 2021. Now, as we approach 2025, clarity remains absent. BMRCL has failed to meet over 12 previously set deadlines. Even now, the BMRCL Managing Director is reluctant to provide a definite timeline," he stated.

Surya criticized the state government for not fully supporting the timely fulfillment of the project. "Additionally, Metro fares have surged by more than 100%. A committee, after an international review, submitted a report that led to a 130% fare increase," he explained.

"Consequently, ridership has plummeted by nearly 100,000 passengers daily. We have been insisting that the fare fixation committee’s report be disclosed. What is there to conceal? The Metro is financed by the populace. Shouldn’t they have the right to understand the reasons behind the fare hike?" he queried.

Surya stated, "If necessary, I will seek legal intervention to obtain the report. The Central government has fulfilled its responsibilities—both regulatory clearances and funding have been provided promptly. Execution, however, rests with the state. Why hasn’t it progressed?"

He highlighted that the state government has yet to issue tenders for Metro Phase 3, even after receiving clearance from the Centre a year ago. "Why is this the case? The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka must provide answers," he insisted.

"The patience of Bengaluru’s residents is wearing thin. The BMRCL MD has expressed hope that the Yellow Line will be inaugurated before August 15. We demand a solid commitment. If not, today’s protest was merely a precursor—larger demonstrations will unfold across all Yellow Line stations," Surya cautioned.

MLA Ravi Subramanya emphasized that Metro services should be made accessible to the public promptly. "The Congress-led government should not compel us to escalate our protests. Bureaucrats must also be proactive," he stated.

In reaction, BMRCL MD M. Maheshwar Rao acknowledged the petitions from citizens. "The public desires access to the Yellow Line services. I anticipate that most statutory approvals will be completed by July 10. After that, we will seek final clearance from the authorities. Once protocol checks are finalized, the Yellow Line will be operational," he confirmed.