Ground zero for Plaza theatre on M G Road

Ground zero for Plaza theatre on M G Road
Bangalore, March 28, DH News Service:

Much before the multiplexes arrived, Bangalore’s English film buffs had preserved a special place for the Plaza Theatre on MG Road.


But while the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL)’s acquisition of the theatre complex opened the doors for its demolition, many hadn’t reckoned the dust storm the process would raise.

The Metro Rail construction had already wreaked havoc on the City’s showpiece MG Road. The demolition triggered dust only added to the chaos on Sunday. The road users would have to endure it for another day, for BMRCL is all set to complete almost 90 per cent of the work by early Monday morning.

Sources in BMRCL said 50 per cent demolition of the 75-year-old building was completed by Sunday evening. “We have put up massive tarpaulin covers on all sides of the structure to prevent dust and rubble from spreading around. But despite this, dust cannot be avoided as the old structure is made up of mortar and bricks. The construction in those days was robust and strong. We are demolishing it using the latest machines. The public have no choice, but to endure some dust,” said a BMRCL engineer.

Construction of the Metro station concourse at the Plaza land is expected to begin this week. The concourse will help people from the Church Street side get on to the station and board the train. The landscape of the entire stretch of MG road is expected to change once the station and concourse comes up.