Traffic restrictions until May

Enforcement drive is already on to check illegal parking of vehicles

Speaking to Deccan Herald here he said, “The priority for the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is to complete the construction of the Trinity station as per deadline. As it would be extremely risky for movement of vehicles to ply on this stretch of M G Road during construction, the ban of vehicles passing alongside will be in force upto May. We will also stop movement of vehicles on the opposite side (Mittal Tower-HSBC Bank) after the next 15 to 20 days and announce a diversion plan,” explained Sood.

The traffic police have also announced that the area where the M G Road and Trinity stations are being constructed will also continue to be barricaded upto the edge of the road, as BMRCL has begun piling work at the site area. However, since the BMRCL has completed asphalting of a stretch of M G Road at Mayo Hall and from Double Road to 17th Cross in Indiranagar (all in Reach-1), barricades have been removed.

Warnings issued

But, road blocks will continue from B M Sri Circle to Double Road junction, also in Indiranagar and on Old Madras Road, Halasoor to facilitate construction of girder launching and the CMH Road station and Halsaoor station.

The City police have also issued a warning to motorists not to park their cars and two-wheelers beneath the Metro bridges on M G Road, where barricades have been removed. “Removal of barricades does not mean a free license to park vehicles. Fines will be levied and vehicles towed away, if found parked. We have started the enforcement drive on Monday itself” added Sood. The fines imposed on four-wheelers were as high as Rs. 1,000.

Boulevard to be restored

Meanwhile, the BMRCL has begun discussions with various civic stakeholders involved such as the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Horticulture Department on restoration of the historic boulevard/promenade that once dotted the M G Road.

BMRCL sources said various rounds of talks have already begun on ways to develop the land beneath the ‘Namma Metro’ girders or  concrete bridges alongside the Manekshaw Parade ground.

“It is still early days. We have to complete the construction of the M G Road (Plaza) station work this year. But, we have initiated talks with other civic agencies on how to re-develop land that once had the boulevard walkway. We are also considering landscaping options” the official said.