NEW-LOOK MG ROAD

NEW-LOOK MG ROAD
CHIC METRO


Adding a new dimension to mass transport to Bangalore, the multi-thousand crore, mega Metro project will add a ‘wow’ factor to the city! The changing cityscape is all set to have aesthetically designed stations which will be a benchmark for public buildings.
Bangalore’s showpiece MG Road, which once painted the quaint charm of the British Raj, is transforming into a platform for displaying architectural marvel. Taking it forward is the Metro Rail project, which has three stations lined up along the stretch. The plans drawn for an elevated station, a kilometre-long lounge area and a heritage centre in place of the erstwhile Plaza Theatre, will set eyeballs rolling.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRC) board has approved six stations on the seven-kilometre Reach One (MG Road to Byappanahalli). All the stations are unique, with special emphasis on MG Road. Tenders for constructing the stations will be floated by December. The designs have been finalised after a brainstorming session between RITES and leading architects of the city, BMRC managing director V Madhu said.
What was once a bund with just a walking path, will now see a metamorphosis — a kilometre-long lounge area with state-of-the-art design; furniture and ambience that will redefine travelling and dynamics of the city; an elevated station with translucent glass facade, which is designed to give a sophisticated look; a heritage centre with ergonomics for relaxation and to act as a transit area to catch up on the city’s history. The main station on MG Road will have three entries.
While a provision to park around 38 cars is being made under the promenade, the earth-filled bund will be replaced by a long shell, meant for a lounge.
Above the bund, the plan features a path, street furniture, green embellishments — a lawn, flower-bearing runners and ornamental plants. The Plaza will act as a transit point with several walkways showcasing the heritage of the city — paintings, old Bangalore in pixels of black and white and a railway museum. The Plaza will be a glass and steel front high ceiling that will project neo architecture, an obsession with city planners.
Travel travails from Saturday
Come Saturday, commuters will have to face greater traffic hurdles, due to restrictions which will be in place from Brigade Road junction to Trinity Circle. This is in view of the Metro Rail work, for which a portion of MG Road will be barricaded. The movement of vehicles has been altered between the two junctions.
Changed route for BMTC buses
From Ulsoor to Majestic — Buses should take left turn at Trinity Circle, move on Residency Road, HOSMAT Junction, D’Souza Circle, Ashoknagar signal and reach Majestic.
From Ulsoor to Shivajinagar — Right turn at Trinity Circle to proceed to Kensington Road, Gangadhar Chetty Road, Dhobi Ghat Road, Vengalaraya junction, Kamaraj Road, Cubbon Road to reach Shivajinagar.
Shivajinagar to Viveknagar — Restricted from taking ‘U’ turn at Citi Bank. Instead, buses will have to turn right at Mayo Hall junction and move ahead on Commissionarate Road.
From Viveknagar to Shivajinagar
— At Ashirvadam junction, buses have to take a right turn and proceed on Museum Road instead of Residency Road, and reach Shivajinagar through SBI junction, St Mark’s Road, Anil Kumble Circle and BRV Circle.
Airport Road to Shivajinagar — Buses will have to move on Kensington Road, Gangadhar Chetty Road, Dhobi Ghat Road, Vengalaraya junction, Kamaraj Road, Cubbon Road to reach Shivajinagar bus stop.
Shivajinagar to Jayanagar — Till Queen’s statue, there will not be any changes in the route. But buses have to move on Kasturba Road instead of Lavelle Road. They have to proceed on Siddalingaiah junction, Vittal Mallya Road, RRMR Road, Lalbagh Road at Richmond Circle.
Other restrictions
On Commisionarate Road, two-way traffic will be allowed
In order to avoid congestion, parking is prohibited on either side of the road between Cauvery junction to Trinity Circle.