Soon, the Metro stations in the City will no longer just be transit points for travelling.
Come Deepavali, there will be a whole range of services available at the stations, turning them into shopping hubs.
These include beauty parlours and even laundry services. On the whole, Bangaloreans believe that this is a good move, as it will add to the revenue of the BMCRL. But on the flip side, these outlets can also lead to a lot of congestion. Ravi Prakash, the managing director of the BMCRL, explains that the tenders for various shops and services, which will soon be opened at the metro stations, have been submitted.
"Services like hair salons, coffee shops, florists and laundry services will soon be introduced. We can't give out the names yet — but the work has already started at the M G Road Metro Station," he says. He adds that passengers and pedestrians can see that one of the coffee shop has already started.
The shops will come up in the unpaid areas of the station — mostly outside the station, in the lobby.
Because of this, they will not add to the congestion in the vicinity. However, there are chances of small crowds forming outside the station, which is a cause for worry for some.
Bangaloreans have welcomed the move and say that it might be of assistance for those who want quick services and don't have the time to go to the shops.
"It will be great for those who use the Metro on a regular basis — and even for others.
Since these shops will be located outside the stations, even those who don't avail of the Metro services can purchase things. I like the idea of a coffee shop and a flower shop," says Prachi, a student.
Some Bangaloreans say that although this move might add to the congestion outside the Metro stations, the authorities can control the situation for everybody's benefit.
"Laundry service is a good option for bachelors like me. We can avail of the services when we are going to the station and while coming back. It becomes easier for us since it is located at our transit points," says Pawan, a professional.
Anamika, a resident of CMH Road, says that it will help those living around the stations as well.
"I live close to the Metro Station and if there are utility shops outside it, we don't have to hunt for one. For people living in and around the area, these shops can become one-stop destinations for many services," she notes.
Come Deepavali, there will be a whole range of services available at the stations, turning them into shopping hubs.
These include beauty parlours and even laundry services. On the whole, Bangaloreans believe that this is a good move, as it will add to the revenue of the BMCRL. But on the flip side, these outlets can also lead to a lot of congestion. Ravi Prakash, the managing director of the BMCRL, explains that the tenders for various shops and services, which will soon be opened at the metro stations, have been submitted.
"Services like hair salons, coffee shops, florists and laundry services will soon be introduced. We can't give out the names yet — but the work has already started at the M G Road Metro Station," he says. He adds that passengers and pedestrians can see that one of the coffee shop has already started.
The shops will come up in the unpaid areas of the station — mostly outside the station, in the lobby.
Because of this, they will not add to the congestion in the vicinity. However, there are chances of small crowds forming outside the station, which is a cause for worry for some.
Bangaloreans have welcomed the move and say that it might be of assistance for those who want quick services and don't have the time to go to the shops.
"It will be great for those who use the Metro on a regular basis — and even for others.
Since these shops will be located outside the stations, even those who don't avail of the Metro services can purchase things. I like the idea of a coffee shop and a flower shop," says Prachi, a student.
Some Bangaloreans say that although this move might add to the congestion outside the Metro stations, the authorities can control the situation for everybody's benefit.
"Laundry service is a good option for bachelors like me. We can avail of the services when we are going to the station and while coming back. It becomes easier for us since it is located at our transit points," says Pawan, a professional.
Anamika, a resident of CMH Road, says that it will help those living around the stations as well.
"I live close to the Metro Station and if there are utility shops outside it, we don't have to hunt for one. For people living in and around the area, these shops can become one-stop destinations for many services," she notes.