10 more Bengaluru Metro stations to get cycle parking spaces

The new Metro stations shortlisted for scaling up the cycle parking include Kengeri bus terminal, KR Pura, Madavara, Chikkabidarakallu, Manjunatha Nagara, Dasarahalli, National College, Banashankari, Jaya Prakash Nagar, and Silk Institute.

Each of these stations is expected to get cycle modules while some stations will get cycle stands with roof and surface treatment. These Metro stations have been selected based on the station ridership, land availability, the space available for four-wheeler and two-wheeler parking and most importantly, the positive outcome on the utilisation of cycle stands in the pilot Metro stations.

Following a positive response, the BMRCL wrote to the DULT requesting to scale the facility across all their stations. Earlier in June 2024, DULT had conducted an assessment of cycle parking in the 10 Metro stations. It included Nagasandra, Peenya, Mahalakshmi, Rajajinaar, Mahakavi Kuvempu Road, Jayanagar, Yelachenahalli, Konanakunte Cross, Swami Vivekananda Road and Baiyapanahalli Metro stations.

According to the assessment, stations such as Yelachenahalli, Konanakunte Cross and Swami Vivekananda Road showed high weekday occupancy rates, reaching up to 113 per cent in some cases, indicating strong demand for cycle parking facilities. However, certain stations such as Rajajinagar, Mahalakshmi Layout and Peenya, recorded very low or no cycle parking usage. This was majorly attributed to robust last-mile connectivity options such as public transport. The assessment also showed that where ridership is high, there is a higher cycle parking requirement. Moreover, commuters preferred cycle parking when it is located within the paid parking area because the area is under surveillance giving commuters a sense of security and safety.

Meanwhile, DULT officials also stated that another study is underway in 20 Metro stations to assess the recent upgrades that have happened around the station and to accordingly modify the last mile connectivity model. The study will cover the current state of roads, footpaths and other infrastructural improvements that have happened recently.