After repeated delays, Namma Metro was finally inaugurated on Thursday October 20, 2011. Trains run at a frequency of every 10 minutes between MG Road and Baiyappanahalli during daytime. And it seems like Bangaloreans are quickly getting used to whizzing past the stagnant road traffic in their skyway ride. You could see hundreds of people impatiently waiting in long lines outside the MG Road Metro station by Sunday evening, though most of them were probably more interested the experience of their much-anticipated first ride in the modern, swanky train rather than getting to where it was headed.
The initial approach of the authorities to solving the traffic woes of the city was to construct flyovers at major intersections so motorists could deal with fewer red lights. This almost cosmetic modification to the existing road system proved totally insufficient to deal with the kind of explosion in the number of vehicles the city witnessed in the last two decades. Fortunately, this led them to consider a modern mass urban transit system which would encourage people to leave their motor vehicles home and get to anywhere in the city completely unhindered by traffic congestions on the roads. This mode of transportation not only cuts journey time, but also results in accident-reduction, less fuel use and reduced pollution. And it has the additional advantage of not having to deal with the insanity of rush-hour traffic in the city. Thus Bangalore became the third city in India, after Kolkata and Delhi, to get a Metro.
No wonder Namma Metro is something that every Bangalorean can be proud of. The stations are equipped with automated turnstiles that allow passengers in and out with the help of Namma Metro tokens. There are escalators and lifts and security metal detectors for the convenience and safety of passengers. With its posh interiors, dashing looks and ultra-modern efficiency, the trains have a distinct 21st century feeling to them. All the Metro trains will be Wi-Fi enabled so you can use internet on your laptop or cell phone while you’re commuting to work. Powerheat Automated External Defibrillators will be installed at the stations to protect passengers from sudden cardiac arrest.
With the inauguration of the initial stretch people are eager to ride the Metro to other parts of the city as well. Construction is nearing completion in other stretches of Phase I with its Reach 3 going up to Yeshwantpur expected to become operational as early as November next year. We have already written about the effect this is certain to have on the real estate situation in that area. Value of all kinds of property, including flats and apartments are expected to shoot skyward as the convenience of Metro reaches Jalahalli and Peenya. Princetown has a range of options for prospective home buyers in this area.
We wish you all a happy Deepavali and many wonderful rides in Namma Metro.
I am excited to read the above news. It would be wonderful if the schedule is met by the concerned authorities i.e. by December, 2012 Metro starts commence its journey from Jalahalli to MG Road and of course to other parts of Bangalore. Twin goal can be achieved – one reduce pollution in the city two commutation to other parts of Bangalore will become hassle free. Though, right now I am in Delhi but would prefer o shift to Bangalore to my son in near future if METRO starts from Jallahali where my son has purchased a flat in Princetown.