While Jayadeva Institute of Cardio Vascular Sciences and Research had objected to the Metro line cutting through its premises — and got its way — big brother Narayana Hrudayalaya on the other hand wants the Metro to come all the way to its doorstep.
In Phase II, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is taking the RV Road line up to Bommasandra, ending at Electronics City. Narayana Hrudayalaya, popularly known as Health City, is just five km from where the Metro line will end.
Citing the importance of such a move and how the hospital has been in the forefront of providing quality healthcare for all, its chairman Dr Devi Prasad Shetty has requested the BMRCL authorities to bring the Metro rail up to the hospital. “We are now a Health City with specialisations in treatment for almost every health condition, including major transplants. Narayana Hrudayalaya performs the largest number of heart surgeries on children in the world. These factors and new facilities have been attracting patients from over 76 countries across the globe,’’ Dr Shetty has noted in a letter to the authorities.
The hospital has assured the authorities of the required infrastructure support within the campus, including space for setting up the station.
In his letter to BMRCL managing director N Sivasailam and Union urban development secretary and BMRCL chairman Sudhir Krishna, written two months ago, Dr Shetty has said: “I understand that Bangalore Metro has planned for a line extending up to Electronkics City, the major IT hub. It would be a major value addition should the line be extended for a further five km up to Narayana Hrudayalaya / Chandapura.
“Extension of Metro Rail up to Narayana Hrudayalaya will also mean a swift and safe mode of daily transport for nearly 10,000 people, including patients, patients’ attendants and employees as of today. The numbers have been swelling by the day. Narayana Hrudayalaya Health City has been built to accommodate 12,000 outpatients per day. That would mean an equal or more number of patients’ attendants travelling in the near future. Needless to say, the extended stretch will also serve the numerous educational institutions in the area and the industrial hubs of Bommasandra and Jigani.’’
BMRCL is examining the proposal as well as the financial impact involved.
