Metro work: Ambedkar Veedhi to be closed

The BMRCL has already formed alternative roads — one leading from Gopala Gowda Circle to GPO and another from near the KGID building, officials said.

The Metro rail will go underground on Ambedkar Veedhi and a metro station will also come up in front of Vidhana Soudha (facing the High Court). Construction activities are expected to be intensified in coming days, causing traffic jams.

On the other hand, the State secretariat is agog with rumours that the State government may temporarily change the working hours for employees at Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha, multi-storied building, High Court and Visvesvaraya Towers, in view of the metro work in the area.

It was heard in the corridors of Vidhana Soudha that there are plans to change the working hours to  8 am-2 pm, from 10 am-5.30 pm now.

An estimated 20,000 employees work in these places. However, there is no official confirmation to this effect. Sources in the BMRCL said it is taking up major work during night and hence, it has not requested the Government to make changes in the working hours.

The traffic police too said they are not planning any changes in traffic movement in the area.

Vidhana Soudha deserted

The Vidhana Soudha has been wearing a deserted look ever since the announcement of elections to zilla and taluk panchayats. No minister turns up at Vidhana Soudha to attend to work.

It was in October that Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa last held a meeting with heads of all departments and reviewed the development works. Then, he had announced to hold such meetings every fortnight to provide an effective administration.