Metro preview bowls over Bangalore

Hundreds of people thronged the Anil Kumble Circle on Friday to the get the first glimpse of the replica of metro railcar. Passersby stopped to take pictures and many were seen asking the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials about when the metro would become a reality. 

Meeting the mediapersons after inaugurating the replica, chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, said that the first phase of the Namma Metro project would be completed by December this year.

“We are trying our best to finish the project as soon as possible. Metro will ease the traffic density to some extent. We have placed an order for the supply of 150 metro coaches with the consortium comprising BEML/India, Hyundai and others at a cost of Rs1,670.76 crore,” he said.

“I really didn’t believe the metro will be a reality in near future. After seeing the replica of the coach, I am assured that it will start operating this year. The coach is comfortable for both sitting and standing. There is a lot of room for the passengers to move around freely,” said Manjunath N, a student, who had come to have a look at the replica.

DP Sahasranaman, a tourist  from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, said, “I think I came to the city at the right time. Namma Metro is looking cool and it will definitely enhance the charm of the Garden City.”
Many opined that the Metro would be helpful for middle and lower middle class commuters, who depend mainly on the public transport system.

“I have seen the Delhi Metro. But I feel that Namma Metro is better than it. I hope that Metro will be affordable to people like us,” said Kiran Kumar.