Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Metro rail woes
|
The first time we heard about the Metro Rail was when the government put its hands into our wallets. Surcharge, it was called, towards the Bangalore Metro Rail Transit Limited (BMRTL). But there was no sign of the project beginning. We grumbled and whined that our tax money was going into the government official's pocket. Now the Metro Rail project is finally to take off — at least, the construction is. We grumble again. This time, the protestors are more than 50 shopkeepers and residents who will be evicted to accommodate the rail. Arrgh, the distress of living in an unplanned city, they groan. ROHINI MOHAN tracks those that oppose the construction and others ready for intervening chaos if it means better transportation.
|
Will metro rail untangle this jam? -- Photo: Murali Kumar K.
Five of 25 people will lose their jobs because shops will have to close to give space to the metro. If we shift the shop to another area, what's the guarantee that we'll do as well?
Suresh,
cashier
Once they start constructing, road will be closed for at least six years. After that, it might be good for traffic, but many businesses would've gone under. But I won't be affected much.
Babu,
hawker
I have a car, but usually cycle to work to avoid the traffic. Buses and autorickshaws also get stuck on the road. But if the metro rail comes, I'd prefer to use it. It's quick transportation.
Ravindra,
tech head
Ten feet of every shop on CMH Road will be chopped off. Only land owners get compensation, not us shopkeepers who've done business here for years on rent.
Varadarajan,
stationary shopkeeper
The time spent to construct it may be long, but it'll make up for the hours I spend in the traffic signal every day. Mass transport is crucial to a growing city.
Anshul,
production consultant
People will get to their destinations quicker, and so many one-way confusions can be solved. I just hope they'll provide proper parking space, otherwise everyone will park on the roads.
Manju,
parking attendant
The rail was going to take Old Madras route and now it's coming right through CMH road to ensure more passengers. When will they care for the welfare of us shopkeepers along with the general public?
Hari,
textile shopkeeper
I'm not scared about metro rail reducing my revenue. People who go in auto will always go in auto. The rail is actually a good thing. It shows our Bangalore is improving in many ways.
Nasir Sheikh,
autorickshaw driver
In Delhi also, they announced the metro rail ages back. But it'll take till 2010 to finish. There is lot of red tape, but in the end, if the rail is efficient and runs on time, it's worth it.
Nupur,
investment consultant
Photos: Sampath Kumar G.P.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
