´Our Metro´ MAN

Finally, Bengaluru can breathe better with traffic hoping to ease down, with the first phase of Namma Metro (´Our Metro´ in Kannada) launched. Although execution has not been a smooth ride for the project, Pradeep Singh Kharola, Managing Director, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has eventually suceeded. And, Namma Metro may well be a game-changer for the city´s commuters. A doctorate in public transport systems from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Kharola has reportedly said that people will be able to cut commute times significantly as the stretch in the first phase covers the heart of the city. With the 18.1-km East-West corridor (Purple Line), which includes a 4.8-km underground stretch, the journey will take merely 40 minutes as against the almost two hours by road. With Kharola, the city is optimistic and eagerly awaiting the inauguration of the entire 24.2-km North-South corridor scheduled for the end of this year, which will mark the completion of the 42.3 km Phase-I of the project.