Boulevard is fine, but no entry after nine

About four-and-a-half hours after Rangoli Art Centre – the erstwhile boulevard on M G Road – was thrown open for the public on Monday, Justin is eager to use the much-hyped walkway.

As he enters to take the walkway near Anil Kumble Circle, a team of vigilant security guards armed with whistles run towards him. “It is 9 o‘clock. You cannot walk here,” one of them says as the other holds a baton close to his chest.

Despite persistence to use the walkway to reach the pavement near the metro station, the guards say they have been instructed to prevent people from using the facility post
9 pm.

“On the old boulevard, people could walk throughout the day. This will not be possible with the new restriction. The walkway has, in any case, taken away space for a pavement,” an old employee of India Coffee House said.

No pavement

Rishikesh Narayan, a law student, said: “I just wanted to reach the Metro station from Anil Kumble Circle, to take the  Metro to Indiranagar. But, they denied me entry and were in no position to explain why.” It is noteworthy that along the stretch of the art centre, there is no pavement, making it dangerous for people walking.

The BMRCL, however, maintains that it has to restrict people after 9 pm as there are many valuables kept at the

centre. While they say that people will be allowed to use the walkway after a few days, it comes with a rider: “They may be allowed to use the elevated pathway in the night, but not the one below.”