With the countdown for the launch of south India’s first underground section of a metro having begun already, the Namma Metro, it seems now, may not be able to keep the City Railway Station ready before the inauguration on April 29. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) is all set to begin commercial operations on the underground stretch between Cubbon Park Station and City Railway Station on April 30.
On Monday, the work at the City Railway Station was still on near the exit towards Magadi Road. Escalators from the underground station lead right into a pile of construction debris. Located at a junction that connects Old Mysore Road, Magadi Road and Tank Bund Road, the exit is expected to see high footfall.
“Four entrances are half complete … two entrances open directly on to Magadi Road footpath without any space for commuters to exit. Not a single vehicle can be parked in front of the station to pick up or drop passengers who will have to risk their lives and cross the road,” Sanjeev Dyamannavar, a urban transport expert, said.
FOB to connect stationsHe added that the vital connection to the railway foot over bridge (FOB) connecting all the railway platforms was important to ensure that the road junction was not perpetually jammed with pedestrians. “A ramp, connecting this metro to the FOB of the railway station, will take another eight months,” he said.
Acknowledging that it may take two more months for the planned FOB to become functional, BMRCL spokesperson U.A. Vasanth Rao said, “We have to put up the structure in consultation with the Railways and it will take another 40-45 days to complete.”
“Three entry/exit gates have been completed and are ready to use. Construction of one exit/entry gate to the City Railway Station is underway. A foot over bridge is being constructed to connect the metro station to the City Railway Station and this may take another 2-3 months time,” he added.
