JOIN USOn an unscheduled visit to Namma Metro’s MG Road station, Reddy, after his maiden ride to Baiyappanahalli and back, said: “The experience was magnificent and favourably compares to world-class metros.”
The MP from Chevella in Andhra Pradesh, under whose previous ministry the Metro took its baby steps, while applauding the Bangalore Metro said: “It is hard to compare the Metro with that of Delhi, as this is only about six kilometres.”
But once it is completed, he said, it will be on a par with the Delhi Metro. “It might be difficult to measure the performance now, but the experience is as good as that of Delhi,” he said.
Having spent over half-an-hour with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials, Reddy was briefed about the facilities and features which have been incorporated in the Metro stations. Despite expressing reservations on the available space for the huge population that was using the Metro, Reddy was more than happy with the existing facilities.
On whether he wanted to comment on the security arrangements available here and in Delhi, where foolproof checking is a daily routine, he declined to comment. “I do not wish to comment on the details of the Metro as the project does not fall under my portfolio anymore,” he said.
He showered praises on the BMRCL team for their progress despite the project being delayed for a long time.
The former Union Minister believed that the Metro as a means of transport, is perhaps, the best possible solution for intra-city commuting.
“The Metro is something which every City requires. Apart from saving on fuel, it also helps in reducing pollution,” he said.
As for Bangalore, Reddy said: “Bangalore is today reeling under increasing vehicular traffic. The Metro is the best answer for helping cut down on the traffic jams.”