Bengaluru: Better footpaths, cycle tracks likely for Vijayanagar, Attiguppe Metro users

BENGALURU: Soon, those using Vijayanagar and Attiguppe Metro stations could walk to or cycle there without any hassle.
The Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) has selected these two stations under its 'Station Accessibility Plan' to make Metro stations and public transport more accessible via walking and cycling.
"This project aims to improve accessibility features, approximately within a 1km radius of these two stations.The stations were selected for footpath and cycling network augmentation. This will also ensure better first and last-mile connectivity for Metro passengers", said a DULT official.
The average daily footfall at Vijayanagar and Attiguppe stations on the Purple Line is 12,000 and 8,000, respectively.
Namma Metro, which began operations in 2011, has now expanded to a 56km network (55 stations) but pavements and cycle tracks are missing near most stations. This is forcing many people, even those staying in the vicinity of stations, to rely on their own vehicles.
BMRCL managing director Anjum Parwez welcomed the move to improve facilities near the two stations. "It will help more people use Metro and they will be able to reach the station by foot or on cycle. We want this to be extended to more stations across the city. We will also facilitate parking of bicycles at Metro stations", he said.
Asked about the plans for Vijayanagar and Attiguppe stations, DULT commissioner V Manjula said: "It's in the stage of preparation of plans. Too premature to share any details".
BMRCL recently issued an order allowing foldable bicycles in the last coach of Metro trains.
Fatalities near stations
According to a study conducted by The Footpath Initiative, 29 pedestrians were killed in and around Metro stations between 2017 and 2018. These fatalities were recorded within 150m of the stations.
In 2018, BBMP announced a Rs 80-crore plan to improve 86km of pavements by 26 stations. However, many Metro users said most pavements near stations are either broken or encroached.
"Pedestrian and cycling infrastructure are a must near Metro stations and should be there from day 1 of Metro operations, but many roads near stations still don't have these. In fact, roads in RR Nagar lack proper streetlights, which is unsafe for Metro users at night", said Reshma S, a resident of RR Nagar.
Under the sustainable mobility accord programme, DULT is also working with residents& welfare associations in areas like Malleswaram, HSR Layout, Begur, Doddanekundi, JP Nagar and Raj Mahal Vilas to improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.