Metro to be linked with bus network

Metro to be linked with bus network
The Times of India

The Bangalore Metro Rail will be integrated to the city's bus services to ensure a higher ridership, the Bangalore Mass Rapid Transit Limited (BMRTL) has promised the Public Investment Board (PIB) during the discussions in Delhi.

BMRTL managing director K.N. Shrivastava said the PIB while accepting the cost estimates presented by the Karnataka government were informed that the pricing was made based on realistic cost incurred by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) which had purchased materials for the Delhi Metro Rail.

On the issue of ridership, the Karnataka government said all advanced action is being taken to take inter-modal transport integration. A common ticket for both rail and bus travel will be issued and bus bays will be created at all Metro Rail stations.

The bus services will go from point to point and all important places will be covered.
Parking facilities will be provided at all Metro Rail stations to decongest city roads.

Shrivastava explained: "In a country like ours, ridership will not only pick up, but it will be very high in years to come. The idea is to ensure that Metro Rail becomes the preferred option for commuters.''

While the Defence Ministry has released 102 acres of land in lieu of land the BMRTL will return for the project, another 130 acres of land will now need to be acquired and the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has been given the mandate to go ahead and acquire the land.

The Bangalore Metro Rail project will see an equity participation of Rs 1,200 crore from the Centre, Rs 1,800 crore from the state, and the balance will be raised through loans. UTI Bank has been appointed as the lead fund arrangers.