Skywalk to catch a Metro train

Skywalk to catch a Metro train
A HC order paves way for a skywalk for commuters to take a train from Metro station on MG Road
SHASHWATHI BHANUKUMAR


You need not jaywalk and risk your life to cross the busy MG Road to board a Metro train.
Following a High Court verdict that permits Namma Metro to acquire Plaza theatre, Metro officials are planning to construct a skywalk over MG Road to serve as entry and exit points for commuters coming from Church Street and Brigade Road. These commuters can get on an escalator to cross the MG Road before reaching the station. Officials told Bangalore Mirror that the skywalk would be completed within three months, well before the first Metro train gets operational.
Ranjita, a techie, said, "This is a welcome relief. Crossing MG Road is a herculean task and imagine our plight running amidst vehicles to catch a train."
The proposed station on MG Road is being built near Manekshaw Parade Grounds. "There will be ticketing counters at that block besides ATM kiosks with additional features like book shop," said Namma Metro chief public relations officer Yeshwanth Chavan.
With the Reach One — between Byappanahalli and M G Road — likely to be ready by the year-end, the prolonged legal battle over the acquisition of Plaza theatre had created doubts about the skywalk connectivity to MG Road station. Sources said, Metro officials were earlier contemplating to go ahead with the station without skywalk connectivity.
According to the BMRCL, the construction of all six elevated stations on Reach One of Namma Metro is going on as per schedule. If all goes well, the first Metro train would chug in the city by December.