I agree. It would have been much better to have a single theme for the whole boulevard. Also, the artist's impression seems to underestimate the crowds. The earlier boulevard we had, despite having nothing but benches and a walk way, seemed pretty crowded during the peak hours. I can't imagine how you can cram all those kiosks, performers and all the other paraphernalia in the same amount of space. Is there a way citizens can directly critique this proposal in a way that it will be heard by BMRCL?

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It looks nice but it completely unrealistic. I dont see how they propose to have cultural programmes there with a train running over every 3 minutes - comments of BSY on `silent trains' notwithstanding. In any case I dont think it is necessary to have traffic plying on that stretch as well - basically they can close it off at Kumble Circle and reopen it at Brigade Road - and if they had any sense close Brigade Road up as well....Unfortunately `sense' is not a commodity found in `them' whoever `they' might be.

In fact, I feel that is the basic problem with Bangalore - there is no `they'. Every individual in the BBMP or the govt. excretes out some proposal or half brained idea and this seems to make news to the news starved 24x7 media. They is no big picture or clear long term planning. Unfortunately, while the individuals at Praja are doing great things much of their efforts are at preventing destruction rather than aiding construction. It may be a problem with our country as a whole - in india you pay people to stop them from coming in your way rather than to help you get something.

I'm away from Bangalore and to a certain extent am dreading returning to the `Boulevards of broken footpaths' of Bangalore - and the wanton cutting of trees thats going on. I suppose it wouldnt matter if Bangalore was a crappy place but the sad things is that it has so much potential - the problem is that instead of getting better things are just getting worse and worse..

Ramesh

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This is a good initiative but needs some scaling down or if they can use parade grounds as a theatre district for all those performances etc it would be marvellous. I agree with Ramesh here. Brigade road should be closed for traffic period and converted to a tiled walking boulevard. 

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Today's DH Article reports that KRIDL will execute the project for BMRC. 

 ....the boulevard will not deviate from the artistic impression released by the Corporation earlier, he (BMRCL spokesperson BLY Chavan) said: “The project will take nine months to complete.”

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Bangalore Mirror reports S Harish, Dy Mayor asking "what is the point". "The civic body wants the space below the elevated platform of the Metro Rail to be converted into a parking lot for vehicles"

Reasoning - Pillas will mess up the view from the boulevard!. Go figure. If that is the reason, get creative. Do something to make it more appealing.

The mass mover went thru' MG Road to reduce congestion in the first place. Now you want to build more parking and invite more to drive?

And if parking is really needed that bad, buid it under this boulevard. Using every inch of earth's surface for parking isn't the only answer.

PS: BM report link thanks to PSA. He pointed it out in another thread.

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In my opinion they should close MG Road between St. Marks Road and Brigade Road. It really serves no purpose. All the traffic can easily be diverted to Cubbon road with no serious consequences - except perhaps an additional 500mts of driving. Then MG Road can be made in to a wonderful pedestrian plaza.

They can do the same with Brigade road - divert all traffic on to the road around Mayo hall - once again with no serious consequences. If necessary they can dig up MG Road and build underground parking there - with entrances at St. Marks and Brigade road. This will restore some beauty and calmness to the place. Brigade road is total madness now - with cars, pedestrians and parking.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208259239265073857899.0004b0e22aa2c279ccd6b&msa=0&ll=12.976373,77.607915&spn=0.014051,0.021157

Ramesh

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I am not sure this deputy mayor has a good head on the shoulders. He hasnt exactly won confidence or trust of the people about his knowledge of city planning with his decisions around Sankey Road widening etc. He needs to read up more or check with appropriate experts & understand alternatives/best practices for the overall area before shooting his mouth off.

MLA Harris & people on this thread are making far more sense than him.

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