Bengaluru: In order to fix the cracks that were found on a pillar near Trinity Metro station along the Purple Line of Namma Metro, BMRCL has decided to curtail metro train services from Friday evening till Sunday to carry out repairs.
The services will be suspended between M.G. Road and Indiranagar stations from 8 pm on Friday. Though BMRCL has made alternate arrangements like feeder buses between these two stations, transport experts feel many commuters may opt to use private vehicles and this may lead to traffic congestion in the city’s central business district.
"They have said that metro services on the Purple Line will be stopped between M.G. Road and Indiranagar. Though they claim they have arranged for feeders buses, but I guess no commuter will be so patient to get down at M.G. Road station and wait for feeder buses. Most of them will think it's better to use their own vehicle for two days," said Rakshith, a regular metro user.
BMRCL had earlier informed that commuters travelling from Mysore Road to Baiyappanahalli will have to get off at the MG Road station and board a BMTC feeder bus. Their metro card or coupon will be valid for the bus journey to reach Indiranagar station.
However, BMRCL officials have allayed fears of congestion on the city’s central business district due to curtailment of metro services.
"It’s just a small number of people who will go for their own vehicles. We are sure that our commuters will utilize our feeder services from both the stations. We are giving free services to help commuters. Also, we have taken all the measures to complete the work within two days," a senior BMRCL official told Deccan Chronicle.
On Friday, trains leaving on or before 7:30 pm from Mysuru Road will run up to Baiyappanahalli and trains leaving Baiyappanahalli on or before 7:45 pm will run up to Mysuru Road.
After that the curtailment of service will come into force. Trains leaving Mysuru Road station will terminate at M.G. Road, while those leaving Baiyappanahalli will end their journey at Indiranagar.
On New Year’s eve metro to run till 1.30 am
Bengalureans partying during New Year can have a comfortable ride back home this time. The BMRCL is all geared up to handle the surge in commuters and will run up to 1.30 am, instead of usual 11 pm.
It will run additional trips and deploying additional staff at its stations to prevent any untoward incidents.
During the extended period instead of tokens, paper ticket will be issued at MG Road, Trinity and Cubbon Park station. A flat Rs 50 will the charged for journey to any destination from these stations.
The paper tickets can also be purchased in advance from 8 pm on Monday from all metro stations.
