BENGALURU: The East-West Metro corridor (from Nayandahalli to Baiyappanahalli) was jam-packed on Monday. Office goers, college students and those travelling to railway station and bus stations were the ones in maximum number on board. On Sunday, most commuters travelled for the experience and fun.
It was 6 pm at Baiyappanahalli Metro Station and passengers were thronging. A senior BMRCL staff at the entrance gate said that the numbers were certainly higher compared to previous day.
Joy of those who travelled for long distances knew no bounds as they could save both time and money.
Sreelatha, a member of the Canadian Embassy, said that she travels between Baiyappanahalli and Yeshwanthpur everyday.
“Metro experience was amazing. I usually get stuck in peak hour traffic, but today I saved 45 minutes of travel time,” she said.She was among the others who benefited as the stretch between Mantri Square Sampige and Majestic was thrown open. “All these days, I had to travel till Majestic and then take an auto home. Now, it will be convenient due to Metro,” said Anirudh, a student of UVCE and a resident of Devaiah Park.
New route a blessing
For Hema, a resident of K R Puram, the opening of the new track from Majestic to Yelachenahalli is no less than a blessing. A mother of a two-year-old, she said that going to her mother’s place has now become convenient for her.
“My in-laws stay in K R Puram. All these days, I could not visit my parents often as it would take me no less than five hours. I am a native of a village off Kanakapura Road. Now, I board the train till Yelachenahalli and take a connecting bus from there,” she said. Her husband and in-laws will also now won’t have to worry much when she is travelling.
No tipsy commuters on Metro, please!
Harshitha, another passenger had a bitter experience to share. “A man who alighted the metro at Majestic was reeking of alcohol. I was concerned if he would misbehave. There needs to be a check in place to ensure people are not drunk. There is no security onboard the train in case of any untoward incident as well.”
Time to get familiar with station names
Riddhima was in Bengaluru for the first time. She had to reach the City Railway Station. However, this passenger was not aware that the name ‘Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Station’ corresponded to the place.