A case in contrast

A case in contrast
M K Bhaskar Rao
After much debate and controversy about whether Metro rail in the right transport solution for the City vis-a-vis mono rail, the work on the former has already started on M G Road.

The infrastructure work which is being carried out at two places in the City - metro rail work on M G Road and widening of road on Race Course road is a study in contrast.
After much debate and controversy about whether Metro rail in the right transport solution for the City vis-a-vis mono rail, the work on the former has already started on M G Road.
The work undertaken by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited is exemplary. Work began on April 15 on a Sunday, when traffic is minimal, on the promenade near Anil Kumble Circle, as part of the seven-kilometre stretch (called Reach 1) between Kanteerava Stadium and Byappanahalli.
A part of M G Road, facing the promenade, was barricaded. A JCB began digging operation on the promenade (bund) portion. The work is being carried out round-the-clock.
People expected traffic curbs and jams due to the work from the next day, but almost a month later it has been noticed that there is very little traffic hindrance. There are no traffic curbs on MG Road between Anil Kumble Circle and Brigade Road junction, where the work is currently in progress.
The Centre median has been shifted by three feet from its original location to ensure smooth flow of traffic. The only restriction is that autorickshaws are not allowed to enter MG Road from Anil Kumble Circle side. The lamp posts which were close to the promenade were translocated close to the main road.
The electricity was not disrupted even for a single day. The debris and mud generated due to digging work has been shifted efficiently without causing any dust and litter.

Race Course Road
The Bhruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike has undertaken the widening of the Race Course Road to 100 feet. The work has been entrusted to Karnataka Road Development Corporation, who have already demolished the compound walls of R C College, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Shakthi Bhavan of Karnataka Power Corporation and West End Hotel.
The debris of the compound walls have been scattered along the road resulting in dust pollution for the residents and offices along the road. Both the work on M G Road and Race Course Road involve similar kind of construction and infrastructure machinery. The barricades erected by the BMRC to prevent the dust from spreading across the road. BMRC has demonstrated that infrastructure work can be undertaken without causing any difficulties to the people