BMRCL to begin restoration work from July at a cost of Rs five crore

BMRCL to begin restoration work from July at a cost of Rs five crore
M G Road’s boulevard of yore to be back
S Praveen Dhaneshkar, Bangalore, DHNS:

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will begin restoration work of the M G Road boulevard from July.

The new-look promenade would have extensive landscaping and gardens, reminiscent of the Hyde Park in England that has the London underground metro stations located near its edges.

Sources in BMRCL said work on the promenade would commence in the first week of next month, even as the much awaited deadline (December 2010) to throw open Reach 1 (Baiyappanahalli to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium) to passenger traffic draws nearer. The boulevard was demolished in April 2007 to make way for construction of via-ducts for the ‘Namma Metro’ project.

“It will be jointly taken up by the BMRCL and Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). We are also in talks with the Horticulture Department for planting of shrubs and flowering trees such as Gulmohar and Jacaranda. The final cost estimates are being worked out. We could have the tenders called for after the cost is finalised,” said a source from BMRCL.

A blueprint to this effect has been prepared by BMRCL in May. The new boulevard will be split into eight parts and two levels will extend from Anil Kumble Circle to Brigade Road junction.

According to the blueprint, a view-walkway on the upper level through a ramp for free walk at a safe distance away from a running Metro train on the one hand and the busy road traffic on the other side is proposed to be constructed.

A concept 152-seater open-air theatre for street plays or talent shows, music, puppet performances, an art gallery for displays, museum and a even play area for kids form part of this restoration plan.

The entire project could cost the BMRCL about Rs five crore. The blueprint also entails having the BBMP commissioner appoint a committee to maintain the boulevard.