Construction of Tannery Road metro pose challenges for locals

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: The construction of the Tannery Road metro station on the Pink Line of the Namma Metro project is raising concerns among locals, particularly regarding the accessibility of the station.

With the road already narrow and the displacement of decades-old pottery vendors, the lack of access from all sides is compounding the inconvenience.

The proposed metro station, located near Pottery Town, is part of the Namma Metro expansion plan, connecting Kalena Agrahara station (previously named Gottigere) on Bannerghatta Road in the south with Nagawara station on Outer Ring Road.

While the project aims to improve transportation infrastructure, the construction process has brought significant challenges for the local community.

Residents of S.K. Garden, Wahab Garden, Chinnappa Garden, and Marappa Garden have expressed concerns about the accessibility of the upcoming Pottery Town Metro Station.

They have submitted a letter with MLA A C Srinivas, highlighting the issue and urging enhancements for seamless access. Residents emphasise addressing the bottleneck at Gandhi Grama on the Pottery Town road, essential for efficient transportation.

Seeking governmental intervention to widen roads and rectify bottlenecks is crucial for optimising metro services and enhancing the commuting experience for the surrounding communities near the upcoming Pottery Town Metro Station.

The narrowness of Tannery Road has been a longstanding issue for residents and commuters.

One daily rider said, “With the metro construction further narrowing the road, traffic congestion and pedestrian safety are major concerns. I spend at least 25 minutes on this stretch every evening.”

The displacement of pottery vendors, who have been an integral part of the neighbourhood for decades, adds to the upheaval caused by the project.

Aijaz Ahmed, a resident and former planning director said, “Importantly, the lack of access to the metro station from all sides is a critical design flaw that could significantly impact its utilisation. If commuters are forced to take circuitous routes to reach the station, it will discourage usage and defeat the purpose of improving public transportation.”

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the agencies responsible for the project, need to address these concerns with utmost urgency.

Engaging with the local community, understanding their concerns, and finding viable solutions are essential to ensure the project's success and minimise its negative impact on the neighbourhood.

Aijaz Ahmed suggested a potential solution that could involve constructing additional entry and exit points for the metro station, ensuring accessibility from all sides of Tannery Road.

This would not only improve the overall accessibility of the station but also minimise the disruption caused by the construction process.

The BDA and BMRCL should explore options for alternative spaces to accommodate displaced pottery vendors affected by the Tannery Road metro station project.

Collaborative efforts with local authorities could identify suitable relocation sites, ensuring a more equitable and sustainable development process that addresses the concerns of both the community and the broader cityscape.