Walking along the new Metro corridor on Kanakapura Road (Yelachenahalli-Anjanapura section) could soon be hassle-free, thanks to a slew of initiatives being taken up along a 6.4-km stretch to boost non-motorised transport.
BMRCL is laying wider footpaths (2.5m-3m) on both sides of the road to help pedestrians access Metro stations, which will have crossover facilities for walkers which can be used by non-Metro users too.
The corporation will also develop the stretch and build service roads near the stations for Metro feeder buses and autorickshaws to pick up and drop passengers. The new corridor, with stations at Konankunte Cross, Doddakallasandra, Vajrahalli, Talaghattapura and Anjanapura, is likely to be operational on November 1.
Saplings will be planted and metal barricades installed along road medians. “This is the first line under Phase 2. We have learnt from our mistakes and will focus on first and last-mile connectivity to attract more passengers. There will be uniform pavements on both sides of the road. Service roads will help bus and auto users access stations. At many existing Phase 1 stations, buses end up blocking the carriageway in the absence of a dedicated bay, leading to congestion,” said a BMRCL official.
Abdul Aleem, co-convener, Changemakers of Kanakapura Road, said: “Only around 30% of the footpath work has been completed so far. BMRCL is yet to take up road work. We want everything to be over before the Metro corridor is operational, otherwise they may depend on BBMP to do the pending work. We also want pre-paid autorickshaw counters at all Metro stations for better first and last-mile connectivity.”
BMRCL managing director Ajay Seth said: “Work on developing NMT infrastructure along the section got delayed due to the pandemic. It will be completed after commissioning of the line.”
Source: Times of India
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