Garbage pile turns parking lot for Metro users near Vijayanagar

Commuters cite inadequate parking space, high parking fee as reason

Lack of adequate parking space and high parking fee at Metro stations are making commuters park their vehicles on a garbage mound near the Vijayanagar Metro station. The land is part of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s dry waste centre.

“Metro rides are expensive, but parking space at Metro stations is even more expensive. Thus, we are forced to look for alternative parking spots. I don’t mind parking near the garbage pile too,” said Swathi B, a commuter.

Several Metro users at Hosahalli come to Vijayanagar due to lack of parking space. “I ride up to Vijayanagar to park my vehicle. Many a time, I too am forced to park near or even on the garbage pile. But there is no choice. The service road, which was dug  by the BWSSB, has not been repaired. The  market near the Vijayanagar police station adds to the congestion. This vacant plot is the only option,” said Vikram J, a regular Metro user.

Commuters also say the space below the tracks and pillars gets occupied very fast. There is some space near the entrance, but it is reserved for the staff and the entry is blocked.  “There are very few staff vehicles. If this space is also opened up for commuters, then we will not have to park on the garbage piles,” said Sumanth J, a commuter.
Apart from waste at the segregation centre, garbage trucks are regularly parked on the service road.

Pourakarmikas dump the waste, which  includes food waste packets, clothes, broken commodes and discarded mattresses, on the makeshift parking space. By evening and after rainfall, the area becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Stray dogs and cattle can be seen feeding here. Every night, commuters jump over piles to take out their bikes.

Those who regularly park here say safety is not a problem.

“Even at paid parking lots, we are told that we are parking at our own risk. It is risky here too, but there is some shade from the trees and Metro piers,” added Swathi.
 
‘Designated parking lot withdrawn’
BMRCL PRO U A Vasanth Rao said paid parking was introduced even at Vijayanagar, but was withdrawn as the response was poor. The situation is the same at Peenya and other stations where people park everywhere except at designated parking lots. A police complaint was also filed against illegal parking, but no action was taken, he said.