Bengaluru: Pink Line of Namma Metro is yet to begin operations, but the naming of its stations has already triggered a fresh row, with residents, elected representatives and political leaders seeking changes to at least three station names.The six-station elevated stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere is nearing its operational debut, and station nameboards have already been installed. However, a series of representations to BMRCL has brought into focus demands that Metro stations reflect established neighbourhood identities, historical names and prominent landmarks.Residents of Bilekahalli on Bannerghatta Road are the latest to seek a change, demanding that IIMB Metro station be renamed Bilekahalli-IIMB Metro station.At a meeting Saturday, residents said Bilekahalli was the locality commonly used to identify the area and had historical significance. They also cited Shri Someshwara temple, which is believed to date back to the Chola period.Anthony Kumar B, a Bilekahalli resident and general secretary of Bengaluru South District Congress Committee, said, “Bilekahalli village has historical significance and emotions are attached to the area. The Metro station should reflect the name of the area widely used by residents. We want BMRCL to name the station as Bilekahalli-IIMB station. At the same time, we do not want to exclude the name of IIMB, which is a premier institution of the country. BMRCL should name the station Bilekahalli-IIMB station so that both can co-exist.”The demand has also received political backing, with Greater Bengaluru Development minister Krishna Byre Gowda and KPCC president BK Hariprasad writing to BMRCL managing director seeking the change.The Bilekahalli demand comes amid a wider debate over station names along Pink Line. The terminal station on Bannerghatta Road, initially named Gottigere, was subsequently changed to Kalena Agrahara. Swagath Cross Road station was also renamed Tavarekere, reflecting the name commonly associated with the locality.Forest minister and BTM Layout MLA Ramalinga Reddy has separately sought changes to three stations in his constituency. He has proposed renaming JP Nagar 4th Phase as NS Palya, Tavarekere as SG Palya and Dairy Circle as Lakkasandra, citing local familiarity, historical and geographical significance and public opinion.BMRCL has also received a representation from residents seeking that Tavarekere station be renamed Bismillah Nagar Metro Station.The competing demands have put the spotlight on how Metro stations should be named — whether after the locality they serve, a major landmark or institution, or a name that has wider public recognition.Road works add to Pink Line build-upAuthorities are racing to improve Bannerghatta Road ahead of the Pink Line opening, amid residents’ complaints about damaged roads and poor pedestrian access to upcoming Metro stations.During an inspection Friday night, Greater Bengaluru Development minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the road had suffered extensive damage due to Metro construction and BWSSB pipeline works. Temporary asphalting was underway, but heavy traffic continued to worsen the condition. Following a high-level meeting, officials decided to white-top the entire Bannerghatta Road stretch within Greater Bengaluru Authority limits as a permanent solution.Gowda also questioned officials over poor-quality road work near Vega City Mall junction, pointing to concrete slabs dumped on footpaths and exposed drains posing risks to pedestrians and two-wheeler riders.At the Bannerghatta-NICE Road-Gottigere junction, he inspected widening and drainage works, flagged incomplete asphalting and questioned an unnecessary curve in a drain that had reduced available road space.
A view of the IIM-B Metro station on the yet-to-be-opened Pink Line of Namma Metro along Bannerghatta Road in Bengaluru.
