Bengaluru: Namma Metro calls bids for parking lots, experts slam the idea
In Majestic for instance, only KSRTC has parking as people drive up till there and take long distance buses.
Bengaluru: Parking lots at Metro stations are what commuters look forward to, especially in high density areas. To address the issue, Namma Metro put up tenders for parking at Kempegowda, City Railway and Indiranagar Metro stations. But experts don’t see this as beneficial.
“Nowhere in the world do Metro stations have parking spaces within the city. Parking is meant for terminating Metro stations, so people on the outskirts, like Mysore Road or Whitefield, can drive up to the station,” said Mr Srinidhi, member of Advocacy group Praaja RAAG.
“In Majestic for instance, only KSRTC has parking as people drive up till there and take long distance buses. BMTC does not have parking, so why does the Metro,” he asked. In his opinion, the focus should be on pedestrian facilities, like footpaths up to 1 km near the Metro station.
For distances over 1 km, the shuttle service should be prioritised or it would be a waste of public transport resources.
As per the official BMRCL document, “155, 200 and 500 two-wheelers can be placed at Indiranagar, City Railway and Kempegowda Metro stations respectively. 25 four wheelers can be parked at City Railway and 82 at Kempegowda Metro stations.”
On the bright side, BMRCL has made it mandatory to have parking provision for 10 bicycles at these stations. Six autos must also be given space, in the area between the road and parking lot of Indiranagar, the official document reads.