Bengaluru's Veeranapalya Metro Station to Boast Three-Storey Commercial Complex
Commuters utilizing the forthcoming Veeranapalya Metro station on Bengaluru's Blue Line will enjoy access to a dedicated shopping and commercial area, with planners opting for an innovative three-storey design instead of the conventional two-level structures typically seen at other stations. This enhanced facility is strategically positioned to cater to the substantial workforce from the adjacent Manyata Tech Park, anticipating high foot traffic from technology sector employees.
Engineering Insights and Station Design
BMRCL deputy chief engineer Vinod M Sasalatti provided detailed clarifications regarding the station's layout during a workshop organized by the Bengaluru Mobility Federation on Saturday. "We have one property development area, which is the commercial zone. Generally, most Metro stations feature two levels. Here, the first level is allocated for property development, followed by the concourse, and then the platform," Sasalatti explained. This additional floor is specifically reserved for commercial activities, marking a significant departure from standard Metro station designs in the city.
Progress Updates on Blue Line and Pink Line Stations
Sasalatti also shared comprehensive progress reports on other stations within the north-east corridor of the Blue Line:
- Civil works at Horamavu station have reached an advanced stage, indicating steady development.
- Progress at HRBR Layout station, however, lags behind neighboring stations such as Kalyan Nagar and Kasturinagar.
In encouraging news for commuters, the Nagawara underground station on the Pink Line, which will connect with the Blue Line via an elevated interchange, is nearing completion. "As far as the underground station is concerned, we're at a very advanced stage. Almost 98% of the work is completed for the Pink Line. Pink Line works are projected to conclude around December 2026, with potential shifts of one or two months depending on progress," Sasalatti stated.
Activists Criticize Transport Coordination Agency
The workshop also highlighted mounting frustrations among mobility activists concerning the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (Dult). Participants voiced concerns that the agency, intended to coordinate various transport bodies, remains largely inaccessible and unresponsive. R Rajagopalan of the Bengaluru Mobility Federation emphasized, "Despite several outreach attempts, we did not receive any response from Dult, whether to attend mobility events or engage in discussions." Activists argued that this weak coordination continues to impede integrated transport planning across Bengaluru, calling for improved communication and collaboration to address urban mobility challenges effectively.
