Some stations can do without parking lots, not all

As the Namma Metro slowly spreads its network by adding new stations, commuters often worry about the lack of adequate parking facilities. Now since the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has opted out of investing in such spaces for new stations, how do commuters perceive it? DH interacts with a cross-section of Bengalureans to find out.

For restaurant owner Sathya Leerthi J N, the Attiguppe Metro Station sees very less crowds and thus the need for a big parking space is not felt. “The space here is enough for the small crowd. The BMRCL doesn’t own a big property here. So there is no point in allocating more space,” he says.

However, medical doctor Dr Chaitra sees the lack of adequate parking space a problem at the Vijayanagar Station. “Everyone parks their vehicles on the service road, which causes a lot of traffic congestion. You can’t park your car and only a few bikes can be accommodated. I prefer walking from my home to the station,” she elaborates.

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Rajat R Lingadalli, an engineering student at UVCE has this to say: “The Sir M Visvesvaraya Station is located in a commercial area. People only come here to visit Avenue Road or go to the college. Besides, there are a lot of government offices. So, I don’t think parking is a necessity here.” In the words of Faisal M A, who lives close to M G Road, the Metro Station sees a lot of people but has no parking space. “I don’t think anyone can do anything about it now. I guess people should use the Yulu bikes or bicycles to commute from the Station to their offices and other destinations,” he says.

Madhu Basavaraju, a lead business analyst, observes: “I have been using the Southend Circle Station. The whole point of public transport is that it should be useful for all classes of people. Yes, the Metro is superfast, convenient and reliable. But how do you get to the station to avail the service?”

Some commuters, she notes, use autorickshaws to get to the nearest Station. Some others take their own personal vehicles. “And here’s the problem. Some stations do have parking but only for two-wheelers and that too very limited space. Many chuck the option completely just because they do not have a free slot to park. It is true for people who drive a four-wheeler as well,” she adds.

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Besides, people who drive from outside the city would like to park their cars in a nearby station and take the Metro to commute within. “This could be a brilliant strategy. But, right now, this is not happening because of the space issue. Some stations in the city do not have a parking option at all and this is unfortunate.”

Vibushnan K, an animator often takes the Metro from Lalbagh Station. “The Metro has indeed made travelling long distances within the city hassle-free. Most stations are well maintained. However, it is pathetic that such a mega project where the government is investing thousands of crores of rupees should fall short on parking spaces,” he says.

He wonders why this was not thought through at the planning state itself. Some stations, he says, have no parking slots at all. “Many railway stations and bus stations built in the late 1990s have large, convenient parking lots for passengers,” reminds Vibushnan.