Buyers use RTI route to verify builders’ claims on Metro link

Builders often make tall claims about how their upcoming properties will have Metro connectivity or will be within a kilometre of a ‘proposed Metro station’. But how does one verify all these claims? It’s simple: File an RTI application.

Builders often make tall claims about how their upcoming properties will have Metro connectivity or will be within a kilometre of a ‘proposed Metro station’. But how does one verify all these claims? It’s simple: File an RTI application.

HT Image

In the past six months, Delhi Metro’s RTI cell has received over 100 queries seeking details on its network expansion plans in the property-potential areas of NCR. “Our RTI cell is flooded with such queries,” said a spokesperson of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

“Applicants also seek information on the proposed Metro alignment, location of stations, the distance between the Metro station and the property along with the available last-mile connectivity,” said an official.

Developers are riding a non-existent Metro wave. They lure prospective house buyers, citing ‘upcoming’ Metro links near their properties.

Surprisingly, many investors also seek DMRC’s views on whether they should invest in properties in those areas. “Most of such queries are about the on-sale properties in Faridabad, Gurgaon and Noida,” said Anuj Dayal, chief spokesperson, DMRC.

And there are times when DMRC’s RTI replies prove the builders wrong. “My neighbour had sought information about the proposed Metro connectivity to Noida Extension to verify a builder’s claim. DMRC’s reply proved the builder wrong. They had no plans for Metro expansion to Noida Extension. Finally, both of us decided to move to Greater Noida,” said Satish Mishra, an IT professional who booked a plot in Greater Noida.

Rupam Tyagi (name changed) from Faridabad too wanted to move to Greater Noida and sought details about DMRC’s plans for Greater Noida and the proposed alignment map at Pari Chowk, one of the property-potential locations.

Developers have already started luring people to areas such as Bawana, Barwala and Pehladpur in northwest Delhi, Mangolpuri and Keshopur in west Delhi, Nand Nagri, New Seemapuri, Bhajanpura, Khajuri Khas and Loni Border in northeast Delhi. Metro extensions to these areas are proposed in phase 4.