How to travel when the Metro is not available

There will be no metro service between MG Road and Indiranagar this weekend. Here are other ways you can commute

Anila Kurian, DHNS, Bengaluru,

Dec 27 2018, 17:29 ist
updated: Dec 28 2018, 12:04 ist

From 8 pm onwards tonight, Metro operations between the MG Road and Indiranagar stations will be shut till December 30.

However, the train service from Mysuru Road to MG Road and from Indiranagar to Baiyappanahalli will continue to operate, though there will be different waiting periods ranging from six to 15 minutes. The green line operations will continue as normal.

This shutdown is being done to fix the ‘honeycomb’ found on the concrete beam near Trinity station.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had initially planned to repair it on December 22 and 23 but due to the Christmas rush, they decided to postpone the work for this weekend.

The train service will be restored by 5 am on December 31 after the completion of the maintenance work at Trinity Metro Station.

So how can people travelling between MG Road and Indiranagar have a fuss-free travel this weekend? Here are a few alternatives that you can opt for.

Metro feeder buses

BMRCL will run free bus services between Cubbon Park station to Baiyappanahalli Station. On December 28, they will ply between 8 pm to 11 pm and on December 29 and 30, the bus will be available throughout the day, both ways.

Ola and Uber

If you don’t want to wait for a feeder bus, you can try taking autos and cabs on Ola and Uber. Choosing a shared cab seems to be the best option though. A word of caution — the fares might be on the higher end as the demand will be more.

Pre-paid autos

One of the other options is to take the pre-paid auto available in front of MG Road Metro Station. Unless it is peak hour, you should be able to get an auto and you will not be charged more than the fixed price.

BMTC buses

If your destination is located near BMTC bus stops, go for it. Enjoy the bus ride and explore the city at minimal fares. Do it only if you are not in a rush.

Carpool with a friend

If you have a friend or colleague who takes the same route as you, hitch a ride with them. This way, you are reducing traffic and you can leave at your own time. There are also carpooling apps that help you share rides with strangers.

Rent a bike

There are many rent-a-bike options near Metro stations that you can look into. It will cost you lesser than public or private transport and you can travel whenever you please.