Metro won't stop buses

Metro won't stop buses
Vijay Times

As the City looks forward to the commencement of construction of the Metro Rail, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is going all out to ensure that its daily bread and butter, yes you guessed it, the commuters do not face any inconvenience, as traffic diversions could mean temporary relocation of bus stops in the City centre.

Speaking , BMTC managing director Upendra Tripathy opined that the traffic diversion plan being prepared by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation will ensure that it causes least inconvenience to the commuters.

“We have followed the Delhi Metro model, where no hindrance was caused to the movement of buses and other vehicles during the construction phase," Tripathy said.

Chief Traffic Manager (Operations) of BMTC Dastagir Sherieff added that a list of all bus stoppages and shelters along the metro alignment has been provided to BMRC. “We want regular commuters to continue to travel without any hardship. While buses are likely to be diverted in some routes, it will be done in a smooth manner. Our operation would be normal.” Traffic advisor to the State government Prof M N Sreehari said, “Any diversion should be in concurrence with commuters requirements. BMTC and traffic authorities in tandem with experts should examine the road volume and capacity ratio and arrive at an alternative before finalising a diversion plan. The heavy excavation machinery that would be involved in construction of metro must ensure normal traffic flow.” Sounding an optimistic note, BMRC chief V Madhu said, “Three rounds of discussions have already been held with the traffic police. All possible suggestions will be incorporated in the final diversion plan to be submitted in about a week. Excavation would begin from the Kumble Circle junction on M G Road. The machines are likely to arrive from New Delhi and Hyderabad within 15 days.”