Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has opened a public consultation process to address mounting environmental concerns—particularly the potential impact on over 11,000 trees along the proposed corridors. The consultations, scheduled over three days from Monday, aim to gather inputs from citizen groups, environmentalists and urban planners. According to the Detailed Project Report (DPR), around 11,137 trees may be affected across the 44.6 km stretch of the two planned elevated corridors.
However, BMRCL officials have clarified that this number includes trees that may either be felled or transplanted, based on feasibility assessments which are still underway. BMRCL has formally invited feedback from residents, civic bodies, and ecological experts to help shape a more sustainable and socially acceptable path forward. Discussions will take place separately for the two corridors—JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura (32.1 km) and Hosahalli to Kadabagere (12.5 km). Environmental advocates have raised strong objections, demanding realignments to minimise ecological loss. Some experts have called for a more thorough tree survey, noting discrepancies in the DPR’s figures. “At an average of 250 trees per kilometre, the projected impact seems inflated,” said a citizen representative who plans to submit suggestions during the consultations. Calls for revisiting the route planning echo past successful efforts in Halasuru, where citizen activism helped conserve mature trees during Metro construction.
On the other hand, several citizen collectives have expressed cautious support for the Metro expansion. They argue that while tree protection is important, sustainable public transport infrastructure is essential for long-term environmental gains. Elevated Metro corridors, if executed thoughtfully, are viewed as more eco-sensitive alternatives to high-emission road projects such as tunnels or flyovers. Urban mobility planners view Phase 3 of the Namma Metro as vital for decongesting the city’s growing western belt. By linking JP Nagar, Hebbal, and Magadi Road through elevated corridors, the project is expected to significantly boost last-mile connectivity and reduce vehicular dependence. Still, the proposal brings to light the complex trade-offs between infrastructure growth and ecological conservation. While BMRCL has assured that only essential trees will be cut and that compensatory plantations will be undertaken, the actual execution of these measures will likely remain under public scrutiny.
The final design of the alignment, including decisions on tree retention or transplantation, will play a crucial role in determining how well Bengaluru can balance its mass transit ambitions with environmental stewardship. As the public hearings commence, the city stands at a crossroads—where progress must align with preservation.
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