Though Mahatma Gandhi Road may not be brought back to its original glory with the promenade running alongside the thoroughfare, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) is making efforts to restore the soothing effect the promenade used to offer to visitors.
On Wednesday, BMRCL opened an “urban square” adjacent to the Mahatma Gandhi Road Metro Station and close to the Cauvery Emporium Junction.
Among other things, the square comprises a water body of approximately 2,800 sq. ft with fountains and large pots with flower-bearing shrubs.
The total area of the square is about 9,000 sq. ft.
Anupama, who was one of the first to visit the square after it was inaugurated, said the space is a welcome relief. She said, “After hectic shopping on Mahatma Gandhi Road, this is a perfect space to relax. The square has all the potential to become a tourist attraction.”
The square has been developed by the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Ltd., (formerly Karnataka Land Army), which is also developing the promenade along with an amphitheatre, a mini exhibition hall and walking path between Anil Kumble Circle and the Metro Station.
Inaugurating the square, BMRCL Managing Director N. Sivasailam told presspersons that he wanted the square to be as subtle as possible. Though there was an idea of placing granite benches between Mahatma Gandhi Road and the water body, the idea was shelved.
Initially, fountains with lights will be on between the fall of night and 10 p.m., which may be extended upon public response.
The other stretch of the promenade between metro station and Anil Kumble Circle will be opened in two months, he added.
