State government has plans to extend Namma Metro to Bidadi

Development of Bidadi is a top priority for Karnataka government

Government has devised various plans for Bidadi's development

The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, announced on November 10 that the state government is in the process of extending the Namma Metro to Bidadi, located near Ramanagara.

Emphasizing the significance of Bidadi as a region with numerous industries and a substantial workforce, he reiterated that the development of Bidadi is a top priority for the Karnataka government.

During an event at the Toyota Technical Training Institute in Bidadi, Shivakumar stated, “Bidadi is a crucial area in the state, boasting a considerable industrial presence and workforce. The government has devised various plans for Bidadi’s development, with the foremost initiative being the extension of the Namma Metro service to Bidadi.”

These comments followed a previous controversial statement by Shivakumar, where he suggested renaming Ramanagara as Bengaluru South. In an earlier post, he mentioned, “Ramanagara district, encompassing Channapatna, Ramanagara, Kanakapura, Magadi, and Harohalli taluks, is being considered for renaming as Bengaluru Dakshina district.”

Former Chief Minister and Ramanagara MLA HD Kumaraswamy criticized the Deputy CM’s proposal, asserting that Ramanagara cannot be included in Bengaluru, even across seven lifetimes. Kumaraswamy questioned the government’s motives, asking whether they aim to exploit valuable lands in Kanakapura for personal gain or fortify benami lands already enclosed. He urged Shivakumar to provide clarification on the matter.

Regarding the extension of the metro to Bidadi, it would entail lengthening the purple line, currently terminating at Challaghatta, to reach Bidadi. Notably, Bidadi falls outside the jurisdiction of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits.