Bangalore: M.G. Road makeover to begin this month-end

Bellevision Media Network

Bangalore, 25 March 2011: Finally, work on restoration of the much-loved promenade on Mahatma Gandhi Road between Anil Kumble Circle and Cauvery Emporium is likely to begin this month. The promenade was razed by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd., (BMRCL) in 2007 before it commenced construction of the viaduct for Namma Metro Reach 1 between Byappanahalli and Cricket Stadium.

 

This restoration work, which will be executed by the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation and the Karnataka Land Army Corporation at a cost of about Rs. 7 crore, envisages an elevated walkway, besides an open-air theatre, art gallery, museum, children’s play area and restrooms. Sources in the BMRCL said that since the tender for revitalisation did not receive any response, the corporation decided to handover the task to the two government-owned companies.

 

While BMRCL will revitalise this stretch of M.G. Road, which will sport an entirely new look, it is yet to be decided as to who will maintain the facilities. BMRCL spokesperson said no time-limit has been specified for completion of the project since many of the works to be executed are “concept-based”, though the official tender had specified that the work should be executed in five months.

 

BMRCL has big plans that offer people a host of cultural events as they stroll on the post-makeover walkway. The stretch between Anil Kumble Circle and Cauvery Emporium is around 700 metres long and 12 metres wide. The 152-seater open-air theatre will be located beneath the walkway, at the road level, near Anil Kumble Circle.

 

A model of Bangalore Metro Rail kept on M G Road for public view and a view of Boulevard in Bangalore on March 23, 2011.

 

A gallery to exhibit artwork, hold lecdems and workshops will come up as will a sculpture museum. Nearby, space will be provided to hold village fairs or mandis. A children’s play area will come up near the metro station. Meanwhile, BMRCL, which had kept a mock-up coach of Namma Metro near Anil Kumble Circle since June last year for public display, will shift the coach elsewhere.

 

The spokesperson said BMRCL has not yet decided where to place the mock-up coach. However, places such as Cubbon Park or Lalbagh, which attract tourists, could be the better places, he said and added that the corporation would hold discussions with the Horticulture Department in this regard.

 

Horticulture Department Director N. Jayaram told The Hindu that as and when such a request comes from Bangalore Metro, the same would appropriately be considered. If the mock-up coach does not disturb the surroundings, there is no issue to keep it in one of the parks where public visit in large numbers, he added.

 

Meanwhile, Mr. Jayaram said the department had promised to lend its expertise and personnel for the revitalisation of M.G. Road promenade as well as beautification of other metro stations.

- The Hindu