Bengaluru: The city’s activists, mobility experts and concerned civilians are putting their heads together to discuss publicly the issue of multi-modal integration with Metro. After isolated campaigns in various sections like Whitefield and Cantonment on Metro integration, the collective will now discuss the issue on a single platform.
To create an inclusive campaign, citizens from across Bengaluru have been asked to make short videos on good or bad transport integration they have observed at Metro stations. “For example, good integration videos can be made for Byyappanahalli Metro and railway station, Mantri Mall, Mysore Sandal Soap Factory and Nayanadahalli. As for bad integration, people can make videos of Byyappanahalli Metro and Old Madras Road crossing, Majestic Metro with BMTC, KSRTC and Railways, City Railway Station, Yeshwanthpur, Banashankari, Peenya, Dasarahalli and Jalahalli,” said transport expert Sanjeev Dyamnavar.
Giving the example of Vijayanagar, he pointed out that the Metro station is 150 to 200 metres away from the Vijayanagar TTMC. “Especially children and senior citizens find it difficult with luggage, rains, etc. Lack of autos and bus bays also adds to commuter inconvenience,” he said.
A meeting/conference is being planned with talks by experts, a Twitter handle revealed. It is expected to be held in October, with the likes of Sridhar Pabisetty, Citzens for Bengaluru campaigners, IISc Professor Ashish Verma, Praaja RAAG advocacy group members and others. Officials from BMRCL may also be invited and the dates are being worked out.
Meanwhile, the social media campaign for Cantonment Metro location is going strong. The online petition, ‘Namma Metro with Namma Consultations’, has 1,000 signatures so far, the Facebook group, ‘Bengalurucantonmentmetro’, has regular updates, #NammaMetroatCanttStn is being used by campaigners to tweet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and elected MPs, MLAs.
With silent protests, petitions, political intervention and talks to be held by experts, the campaign to highlight all last-mile connectivity problems seems to be gaining stronghold on the lines of Steel Flyover Beda.
