metro

The realignment of Namma Metro is something that has remained a mystery - why the realignment? Why cannot a heart hospital have Metro near it? There seem to be no clear answers to this question, though the realignment of the route has already been decided. Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research vehemently protested the plans for the Metro to pass through the hospital’s parking area. On the other hand, Narayana Hrudayalaya, another prestigious heart hospital in the city, has requested BMRCL to extend its line from Electronic City to Chandapura Post - a 5 km away from the last…

Metro Phase-I has not completed, but the plans for Phase-II have already begun. File Pic. The new alignment near Jayadeva Hospital has caused panic among residents that many residential properties and commercial buildings on Bannerghatta Road would be demolished. Here are some thoughts on this. Why public consultation with residents, experts,users ,metro officials and elected representatives is not being held on pros and cons, alternative routes etc, like the public consultation held by Additional Chief Secretary regarding Signal-free corridor of Koramangala? The project was scrapped unanimously by all stakeholders on direction of the High Court, based on the PIL filed…

After the sudden threat posed by the propsed re-alignment of the Metro Rail track along Bannerghatta Road, homeowners suddenly were threatened with the destruction of their homes.  When it was a matter of road-widening, we were able to protest at the chopping down of trees and the increase in traffic; but now, the Government can say that it is developing public transportation and this is for our own good.   After a storm of protests, the proposed re-alignment has been halted...for the time being. But there is no guarantee that our Government will not suddenly start the process again, and…

The Greek word Oligarchy means 'Government of a few rich people for their own advantage'. It was coined by the philosopher Aristotle 2300 years ago (he also coined the word Democracy). An Oligarch is a very rich businessman or businesswoman with a great deal of political influence. For convenience, we'll shorten the word to Olly.Karnataka politics has traditionally been funded by various lobbies of Ollys like the liquor lobby, the mining lobby, real estate lobby, and the contractors' lobby (in urban bodies elections). When a politician needs money to fight an election, an Olly funds him, and the Olly in…

If you live within three km of South End circle, you have good news - you can throw away your wall clocks and wrist-watches, for the city administration has now put in place for you a fancy timekeeper, a 61 foot high ‘sky-kissing', ambara chumbana clock tower at the traffic intersection that chimes out the hour, every hour.With elections approaching, perhaps those sitting in decision-making kursis felt that just as the rural raitaru have been promised free electricity and other handouts, we the educated urban citizens too needed some goodies and gifts, so that we do not feel left out.…

"I am sure I have answers to all your questions but I can't guarantee satisfaction," said a candid N Sivasailam, MD of Bangalore Metro Rail Company Limited (BMRCL), in his opening remarks. He was conversing with Dr Ashwin Mahesh at a discussion on the Namma Metro at IIM, Bangalore, as part of a series on ‘Practice in Public Spaces', on January 30th. The first session of the series ‘Practice in Public Spaces’. K Jayraj sets the agenda. N Sivasailam is seated on the front row (in a black jacket). Pic: Shamala Kittane The discussion series was initiated by K Jayraj,…

Going by the schedule given by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the 42.3 kilometers long Phase-1 of Namma Metro should be ready by the mid of 2014. However, the project is running behind schedule by almost 2 years. The traffic volume is increasing twofold each year, says one expert M N Srihari. The metro is believed to be the one project that can make commuting easier and would help decongesting roads. Illustration of planned R V station. Pic: bmrc.co.in The major cause of delay in Phase-1 is land acquisition. Reach-3 line between Swastik in Malleshwaram and Hessarghatta Cross was…

Dear Sri Ananth Kumarji Greetings You have been pursuing to name BIAL as Kempe Gowda International Airport for his contribution to the city, which is a good move. It is unfortunate that the central government is delaying.We are all aware of contribution of Sir M Visvesvaraya's to the development of industry and infrastructure in Bangalore. He was responsible for designing Jayanagar and many other localities which are very planned by his vision and innovation.Since the Bangalore Metro was conceived during Atalji's government under your leadership as Union Urban Development Minister, as voters of Bangalore South Parliamentary constituency we request you…

The MG Road metro station will soon have two restrooms - one near Anil Kumble Cirlce, and the other next to the station at the start of boulevard.Restrooms will be for three categories - men, women and disabled. BMRC had initially said that the stations do not need restrooms as the time of journey is very short. "The decision to start restrooms was taken after continued demand of citizens," says Ravi Prakash, Manager PRO at BMRC. One restroom each is planned for Ulsoor and Swami Vivekananda Road stations, but tenders for these have not been finalised. MG Road and Bayappanahalli…

Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri.D.V.Sadananda Gowda had a detailed discussion with Shri.V.P.Baligar, CMD, Hudco today (01.10.2011) at New Delhi, about various Hudco assisted  Schemes in Karnataka.  Sri.Suresh Kumar, Hon’ble Minister for Urban Development, Sri.Govinda Karjola, Hon’ble Minister for Kannada and Culture and Sri.V.Dhanajaya Kumar, Special Representative of Government of Karnataka in New Delhi  were present in the meeting.HUDCO, a Government of India subsidiary, has come forward to extend a loan of Rs.700 crore to “Namma Metro” Project of Bangalore. The loan agreement will be signed between HUDCO and BMRTCL shortly. HUDCO Assistance to KarnatakaHUDCO has supported a total of 1,437 schemes…