Should the Namma Metro be functional as well as aesthetic? Inching closer to the launch of its southern arm, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) expects tourists to do their bit to take the number of commuters up to five lakh from the existing two lakh. But architects and citizens say most metro stations are merely functional even though they can do a lot to showcase the landmarks and attractive features of Bengaluru and Karnataka.
At present, Namma Metro boasts of aesthetic or artistic spaces in a few stations. While the Rangoli Metro Art Centre (RMAC) has become a popular space for exhibitions, activities and performances, the M.G. Road station has also been given a colourful, artistic makeover externally on the Church Street side.
The S.V. Road station has the Bengaluru Santhe while Cubbon Park station routinely sees interesting art work on display. The K.R. Market and Chickpet stations will be added to this list.
However, a section of commuters and citizens feel that more stations can be developed into cultural and artistic hubs. “At present, everything is concentrated on the M.G. Road Station. The audience at the RMAC are just casual visitors who are in the area for shopping or eating out. A lot of tourists take the metro as it is the only one in Karnataka and one of the few in south India. An initiative can be taken to showcase the culture of the city and the State, and instil a sense of ownership among the people,” says Sanjeev V. Dyamannavar from Praja.
The tall metro pillars can become ideal canvases for art as well as advertisements. “The Vidhana Soudha station has been done up beautifully and compliments the location. But look at the Trinity Circle station; it looks like any other concrete structure,” he pointed out.
Pawan Mulukutla, Head, Integrated Transport, WRI India, on the other hand, said aesthetics is priority after making the metro functional, ensuring last-mile connectivity and other infrastructure, such as footpaths and parking bays around the stations. “Aesthetics have to be integrated into the network. Stations can become vibrant public spaces,” he said.
Architect Naresh Narasimhan argues that aesthetics must come first. “Most public buildings, such as the Sir Puttanachetty Town Hall and the City Corporation building, are good examples. Public buildings should be lasting structures. In fact, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) has huge tracts of land in which they can create social spaces, such as libraries and language centres,” he says.
BMRCL officials, however, are focusing on getting the South Line up and running. “We want to complete the Green Line before adding features to the stations. We will be doing that though, possibly in the Jayanagar station,” said U.A. Vasanth Rao, spokesperson, BMRCL.
Namma Metro
North-South corridor - Green Line: 25 stations
East-West corridor - Purple Line: 17 stations
Daily commuters: 2 lakh
Projected commuters for Phase I: 5 lakh
