Limited parking for future Metro users

With virtually no parking spaces along the upcoming Metro route at the South Corridor, expect more traffic congestions

Unlike Metro stations in Delhi, the ones coming up along the South Corridor will not have any vehicle parking space due to space constrains. While it might disappoint many who plan to use the Metro, the BMTC sees this as an opportunity to fill up empty parking lots at bus stations along the route.

BMTC, which has allowed its entire terrace for public parking at the Traffic and Transit Management Centre (TTMC), was severely criticised for wasting money around Rs 12.9 crore in the name of creating parking lots.
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The ongoing work for a new metro station near Jayanagar.

The 2,739 sq.mt of terrace space can accommodate 60 two-wheelers and 40 four-wheelers. But it has been deserted for the last one-and-half years because of the lack of lifts and amenities and has forced people to keep away.

Once the Metro starts carrying people across Bangalore, a large number of office-goers are expected to leave their vehicles and opt for the train in a desperate attempt to escape traffic jams, as seen in Delhi. Though BMTC will have to phase out many of its buses, its terminals are likely to earn money in parking fee.

The Metro is expected to start by 2012, and most of the commuters are likely to face parking problems. The stations at South End circle, Lalbagh and near Nanda Theatre Road will not have parking lots, and the resulting congestion is everyone's guess.

From this both BMTC and BMRCL will be benefited. The deserted Jayanagar TTMC and congested roads of RV road and other close-by roads will be free from more traffic. There will be bus bays around all stations, making it easier for people to catch buses of their choice once they alight from the train.

Syed Zameer Pasha, MD, BMTC, said, "We have given the Jayanagar TTMC parking lot on contract, which will allow vehicles to park there. After all we are here to serve the society. It will help reduce traffic jams." Pasha added that if necessary, the number of buses will be increased to help rail commuters.

BMRCL GM (finance), Vasantha Rao told MiD DAY, "I don't know the full details but if necessary we will use the TTMC parking lot. I am yet to discuss with our engineers about why there are no parking lots at these stations."