Hebbal Metro Hub Land Cut from 45 to 9 Acres, Sparking Public Concern
The land allocated for the city’s much-anticipated integrated metro transit hub at Hebbal has been reduced from 45 acres to just 9 acres. This drastic cut follows a high-level government meeting where officials confirmed Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) would no longer require the originally proposed area. The move clears the way for private development—raising concerns among urban planners and citizens about the future of sustainable mobility and equitable city planning.
Originally envisioned as a major multi-modal hub to link metro lines, buses, and other forms of public transport, the Hebbal site was seen as central to Bengaluru’s long-term transit infrastructure. BMRCL had earmarked over ₹500 crore for acquiring the land, which had been held by the state’s industrial board for over two decades. However, the revised decision to downscale the allocation has sparked criticism that the government is prioritising luxury real estate and commercial ventures over the public good. Experts worry this could further strain the city’s existing transport networks and undermine efforts to create a unified mobility framework. The decision to reassign a majority of the land for private use comes amid increasing urban congestion and the need for carbon-neutral transport solutions. Bengaluru’s ongoing traffic crisis has prompted calls for integrated mobility planning that places pedestrians, cyclists, and commuters at the centre of infrastructure development.
Reducing the metro’s footprint at such a strategic location contradicts the city’s commitment to net-zero carbon goals and inclusive transit design. Critics argue that diverting publicly held land toward upscale housing and commercial towers risks creating enclaves of exclusivity at the expense of accessible citywide transport. This development also highlights broader policy tensions between transit-oriented development and real estate-driven urban expansion. While high-end housing and hotels may boost short-term economic returns, they often lead to increased private vehicle use and traffic congestion, undermining climate resilience. Infrastructure experts emphasise that transit hubs like Hebbal are not just about transport—they are nodes of urban equity, where accessibility, sustainability, and affordability converge. Scaling them back could set a troubling precedent for other Indian cities grappling with similar land-use dilemmas.
The move underscores the urgent need for transparent public dialogue on urban land use and transit priorities. As Bengaluru continues to expand, ensuring that city planning serves collective interests—especially those of commuters, low-income groups, and future generations—is paramount. Repurposing land originally acquired for public infrastructure without a full cost-benefit assessment raises concerns not only about governance but also about the long-term social and ecological footprint of such choices.
