The Metro station at City Market, one of Bengaluru's earliest settlements, will bring alive the rich heritage of the area. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) is most likely to rename it as Fort (Kote) Station and is working with the Department of Urban Land Transport (DULT) to put in place the relevant art installations and other amenities.
The station is close to the remains of Tipu Sultan's fort and palace complex. It is surrounded by landmarks, including the Bangalore Medical College, Vani Vilas/Victoria Hospital as well as the Kalasipalyam bus stand. The old 'pete', which saw some of the city's earliest settlers, is within walking distance. Remains of the fort remains and the palace are under the care of the Archaeological Society of India (ASI).
Keeping all this in mind, the DULT has proposed a design for K.R. Market station which will enable access to the fort, palace complex and other areas of interest.
“The vision envisages the station forming an integral part of the city's landscape. Currently, the proposal is at the concept level as the focus is on beginning operations by April. The work will involve landscaping of grounds handed back to the BMC after completion of Metro work. Provision of easy accessibility to BMTC bus services is also part of the proposal,” a senior DULT official said.
This will benefit visitors to the hospital, medical students, tourists as well as commuters using BMTC and Namma Metro services. “The focus will be on pedestrian priority and intermodal integration,” the official said.
The modalities of financing such a design are being worked out. The possibility of funds coming from the Tourism Department and private companies are being explored.
For the station itself, the plan is to put in place art installations and use the five exits to depict the dynasties that ruled the city over the years. “The station exits are currently in the drawing board stage. There are other projects like re-modelling the stretch of K.R. Road between BMC and the fort,” said Darpan Jain, Commissioner, DULT.
“We are planning the project in three phases. Phase 1 will focus on opening the station for operations and Phase 2 on the road. In Phase 3, we will take up the work on station exits and other work inside,” the official said.
City Market Station highlights
Integration of Namma Metro and BMTC
Easier access to hospital, buses and tourist destinations
Provide information on importance of the area and its heritage value
Redesign of K.R. Road between BMC and fort
Public plaza, street-scaping, street signs, information boards
Exits to showcase dynasties that ruled Bengaluru
