<p>The large pillars which are to support the Metro tracks have started to take shape in the area. The once spacious roads have now been restricted to a single narrow stretch on either side. Most residents now prefer to use the service roads as the public buses block the main roads. <br /><br />Ramesh, an auto driver says: “The buses normally create huge traffic jams in the area. Traffic is at its worst around 6 pm. However the traffic police have done a commendable job, by diverting traffic onto the service road to ease congestion.”<br /><br />Street vendors face a tough time as the increased traffic in the service roads makes customers hesitant to shop there. Ramkrishna, a store manager said: “The Metro construction has not affected our sales as we are not on the main road. However, many other shops face a difficult time as customers cannot find parking space for their vehicles and choose to shop elsewhere. As a result many shops are forced to shift their location.” <br /><br />Loss of green cover<br /><br />While residents do look forward to the completion of the Metro, several others bemoan the loss of tree cover. Nature lover and former resident of Vijayanagar, A Deepak said: “This area used to be covered with trees. Now they have been replaced with pillars. In fact I can barely recognise the area.” Venkatesh, a resident of Kengeri, echoes Deepak’s sentiments: <br />“The area has become extremely commercial. Vijayanagar was one of the few remaining areas with that ‘old Bangalore’ feel; that is now gone forever. Pedestrians also face a tough time as the footpath has all but vanished. “A subway was built to help citizens but authorities keep it locked during peak hours,” said Deepak.</p>
<p>The large pillars which are to support the Metro tracks have started to take shape in the area. The once spacious roads have now been restricted to a single narrow stretch on either side. Most residents now prefer to use the service roads as the public buses block the main roads. <br /><br />Ramesh, an auto driver says: “The buses normally create huge traffic jams in the area. Traffic is at its worst around 6 pm. However the traffic police have done a commendable job, by diverting traffic onto the service road to ease congestion.”<br /><br />Street vendors face a tough time as the increased traffic in the service roads makes customers hesitant to shop there. Ramkrishna, a store manager said: “The Metro construction has not affected our sales as we are not on the main road. However, many other shops face a difficult time as customers cannot find parking space for their vehicles and choose to shop elsewhere. As a result many shops are forced to shift their location.” <br /><br />Loss of green cover<br /><br />While residents do look forward to the completion of the Metro, several others bemoan the loss of tree cover. Nature lover and former resident of Vijayanagar, A Deepak said: “This area used to be covered with trees. Now they have been replaced with pillars. In fact I can barely recognise the area.” Venkatesh, a resident of Kengeri, echoes Deepak’s sentiments: <br />“The area has become extremely commercial. Vijayanagar was one of the few remaining areas with that ‘old Bangalore’ feel; that is now gone forever. Pedestrians also face a tough time as the footpath has all but vanished. “A subway was built to help citizens but authorities keep it locked during peak hours,” said Deepak.</p>
