Bengaluru: After missing multiple deadlines earlier, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) is hopeful of opening the 7km elevated stretch of Pink Line between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere on Bannerghatta Road this month.However, before trains begin running, a key question remains: how will passengers safely reach stations? Like several other Namma Metro corridors in the city, pedestrian infrastructure remains a major concern, and residents living on either side of Bannerghatta Road could face a tough time accessing Metro stations. TOI conducted a reality check of the elevated corridor on Bannerghatta Road.For people living in Gottigere and residential areas beyond NICE Road, Kalena Agrahara, the terminal, will be the first station they can use to travel on Pink Line. However, the condition of the road from the last Pink Line pillar towards NICE Road side is poor.On many stretches, footpaths are completely absent, while garbage is dumped on pedestrian ways where they exist. Open drains along the road make walking risky. With no footpaths, people are forced to walk on the busy road, filled with potholes and craters. On the left side of the road from NICE Road side, a makeshift bus stop has been set up next to an open drain where Himagiri Main Road intersects Bannerghatta Road, while garbage dumped along the roadside emanates a foul smell. The existing footpath near Kalena Agrahara is not in a walkable condition, with garbage and mud dumped on multiple stretches.Near Royal Meenakshi Mall junction, Namma Metro itself has encroached upon the pedestrian pathway. Garbage dumped on the footpath can also be seen on several stretches of the road near this junction.The situation is no better near Hulimavu Metro station. Though buses stop near the station, there is no bus shelter. Several residential areas are located close to the station on Hulimavu Main Road, BDA 80Ft Road and Arekere Road, but they lack proper pedestrian paths.Residents’ demand ignoredResidents of Bilekahalli had earlier urged the Metro operator to include the locality’s name in the Metro station built near Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB). They had argued that the station was located within Bilekahalli area and its name should reflect the locality’s identity. The residents had demanded that it be renamed Bilekahalli-IIMB Metro station, saying the current name overlooked the historical identity of the neighbourhood. However, BMRCL named it IIMB station.Usually, BMRCL builds Metro stations at intervals of about 1km. However, the distance between IIMB and JP Nagar stations is more than 1.5km, whereas the distance between JP Nagar Metro station and Jayadeva Hospital interchange station is less than 750 metres.Ravindranath, a resident of Bilekahalli, said: “Many roads such as Devarachikanahalli Road and Sir M Visvesvaraya Road connect Bannerghatta Road near Bilekahalli. None of these roads has good pedestrian paths to access either JP Nagar or IIMB Metro stations. Even on Bannerghatta Road, barring the wide footpath near the institute’s campus, there are no walkable footpaths. Before opening Metro stations, the authorities should repair roads and provide walkable footpaths.”Srinidhi, a resident of Vijaya Bank Layout, said: “BMRCL has been taking up construction work on Bannerghatta Road for over eight years, and motorists have suffered because of this. They have neither got the Metro nor a good road network. Recently, civic authorities repaired the road from IIMB towards Vega City Mall, but the stretch was not properly asphalted. The roads are in bad shape near Vega City Mall and Bilekahalli bus stand. Before opening the stations, the authorities should provide basic infrastructure.”City’s 3rd interchange at JayadevaAfter Majestic and RV Road, the city will get another interchange station at Jayadeva. At present, Jayadeva station is partially operational for Yellow Line. Once Pink Line begins operations, the station will provide interchange facilities between the Yellow and Pink routes. Jayadeva is the tallest interchange station, built across six levels. Apart from intersecting two Metro lines, the road flyover of the double-decker flyover also passes through Jayadeva.BMRCL has provided parking facilities at four Pink Line Metro stations — Tavarekere, IIMB, Hulimavu, and Kalena Agrahara — with space to accommodate a total of 575 two-wheelers.
