<div>The proposed Namma Metro Phase-2 realignment to incorporate a KR Puram-Silk Board Junction link along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) has raised a critical question: Will it spell the end of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) lane designed to be laid between the split flyovers on ORR? The final word is yet to be out.<br /><br />The realigned Metro line will have its pillars right on the ORR median. This implies that the pillars will also occupy the space between the split flyovers. The entire BRTS project will then be shelved, says a top police official, who had himself indicated to the government that Metro would be a better option. <br /><br />Planned six years ago, the BRTS had shaped the building of split flyovers at Iblur, Devarabeesanahalli, Kadubeesanahalli, Nagawara, Veerenpalya, Kammanahalli, Hennur and Horamavu along the entire length of the ORR. The proposed 18-km Metro link line will slice through three of these structures.<br /><br />BRTS possible<br /><br />But urban mobility experts contend that the BRTS can still be planned under the Metro pillars. There is enough width to do so and boost multi-modal commute. As a Bengaluru Vision Group member puts it, a multi-layered elevated structure could be built with Metro on the top layer and BRTS below. <br /><br />Twelve stations are proposed to be built on this stretch, bringing Metro connectivity to Marathahalli and Old Airport Road. These stations will be elevated with ramps leading to either side of the ORR. Experts say this design could potentially solve a key problem associated with BRTS on ORR.<br /><br />Metro-BRTS link<br /><br />Here’s the problem: When BRTS is in the middle lane of the ORR, how do pedestrians cross the busy road? There is no provision for subways or skywalks at the bus stops, and building such infrastructure would be prohibitively expensive. Linking BRTS bus stops to the Metro station ramps could be a way out for the bus passengers. Skywalks/underpasses would then be required only at bus stops away from the 12 stations.<br /><br />This BRTS-Metro model could be replicated even if the Metro link line is further extended from KR Puram upto Hebbal Flyover. Besides Silk Board and KR Puram, two more interchange stations are likely to be built at Hebbal and Hennur where the Gottigere-Nagwara line cuts across the ORR. Airport connectivity could get a boost since there are indications that the Nagwara line might eventually get extended to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).</div>
<div>The proposed Namma Metro Phase-2 realignment to incorporate a KR Puram-Silk Board Junction link along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) has raised a critical question: Will it spell the end of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) lane designed to be laid between the split flyovers on ORR? The final word is yet to be out.<br /><br />The realigned Metro line will have its pillars right on the ORR median. This implies that the pillars will also occupy the space between the split flyovers. The entire BRTS project will then be shelved, says a top police official, who had himself indicated to the government that Metro would be a better option. <br /><br />Planned six years ago, the BRTS had shaped the building of split flyovers at Iblur, Devarabeesanahalli, Kadubeesanahalli, Nagawara, Veerenpalya, Kammanahalli, Hennur and Horamavu along the entire length of the ORR. The proposed 18-km Metro link line will slice through three of these structures.<br /><br />BRTS possible<br /><br />But urban mobility experts contend that the BRTS can still be planned under the Metro pillars. There is enough width to do so and boost multi-modal commute. As a Bengaluru Vision Group member puts it, a multi-layered elevated structure could be built with Metro on the top layer and BRTS below. <br /><br />Twelve stations are proposed to be built on this stretch, bringing Metro connectivity to Marathahalli and Old Airport Road. These stations will be elevated with ramps leading to either side of the ORR. Experts say this design could potentially solve a key problem associated with BRTS on ORR.<br /><br />Metro-BRTS link<br /><br />Here’s the problem: When BRTS is in the middle lane of the ORR, how do pedestrians cross the busy road? There is no provision for subways or skywalks at the bus stops, and building such infrastructure would be prohibitively expensive. Linking BRTS bus stops to the Metro station ramps could be a way out for the bus passengers. Skywalks/underpasses would then be required only at bus stops away from the 12 stations.<br /><br />This BRTS-Metro model could be replicated even if the Metro link line is further extended from KR Puram upto Hebbal Flyover. Besides Silk Board and KR Puram, two more interchange stations are likely to be built at Hebbal and Hennur where the Gottigere-Nagwara line cuts across the ORR. Airport connectivity could get a boost since there are indications that the Nagwara line might eventually get extended to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).</div>
