Bengaluru’s upcoming Bamboo Bazaar underground metro station faces significant accessibility challenges after the Urban Development Department (UDD) declined Namma Metro’s proposal to widen three key roads leading to the station. The decision places the responsibility on the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to manage traffic flow in a densely populated area where existing streets are already constrained.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) had initially proposed widening AM Road, Dhanakoti Road, and Bamboo Bazaar Road to accommodate a foot overbridge (FOB) connecting the metro station with the nearby Cantonment railway station. The project, estimated at Rs 41.36 crore, aimed to ease commuter movement and improve local traffic conditions. However, during a high-level committee review, officials confirmed that the UDD rejected the request for additional funds, compelling BMRCL to reassess its plans. Metro authorities now plan to construct the FOB on the existing narrow roads while acquiring land only in immediate areas surrounding the station. Initial acquisitions have begun near Entry ‘C’ of the station to improve access from Bamboo Bazaar Road. Additional land acquisitions are also planned, including 218.674 sqm from the ESI building for Dhanakoti Road and 332.104 sqm from the Madeena Masjid premises. The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) will issue the official notifications for these acquisitions, but officials acknowledge that such measures alone will not fully resolve congestion issues.
Urban transport experts note that constrained road widths around new metro stations can have cascading effects on commuter safety and traffic efficiency. “Without adequate approaches, the benefits of the metro station could be partially negated,” said a senior urban mobility expert. Officials stress that careful planning and phased infrastructure upgrades are essential to ensure seamless integration with the existing urban fabric. The decision highlights a recurring challenge in Bengaluru’s metro expansion: balancing ambitious urban transport projects with limited land availability and dense population clusters. Analysts argue that future planning must prioritise sustainable, multimodal solutions, including pedestrian-friendly corridors, last-mile connectivity, and minimising disruptions to local communities.
BMRCL officials reaffirmed their commitment to completing the Bamboo Bazaar station while working within existing constraints, emphasising that strategic land acquisition will improve commuter access even if full road widening is not feasible. The project is expected to set a precedent for handling similar accessibility challenges across the city’s growing metro network. As Bengaluru continues its push toward efficient and eco-friendly urban transport, the Bamboo Bazaar station serves as a critical test case for harmonising infrastructure expansion with sustainable, commuter-centric planning.
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