Last-mile connectivity eludes Bengaluru's Malleswaram Metro stations

BENGALURU: Ramaswamy VS, 75, painfully endures a long wait for autorickshaws to travel between Mantri Square Malleswaram Metro Station along the Green Line and his residence, thanks to the absence of last-mile connectivity.
Autorickshaw drivers refuse trips as the distance is short and demand double or triple the minimum fare. Those alighting or accessing Srirampura Metro Station, at the other end of Malleswaram, too face the same plight.
Most pockets of Malleswaram are within 2km to 2.5km of Srirampura and Mantri Square stations.But commuters' experience hasn't changed since the stations were opened to the public in 2014, with the minimum waiting time for autos at the stations still being 15 minutes.
The plight of Ramaswamy, who lives at 15th Cross, Malleswaram, is shared by most senior residents of the locality. Heavy traffic and narrow and steep pavements in the area, not to mention the never-ending infrastructure works, could be a deterrent to even youngsters. Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has also failed to come to the rescue of riders despite residents putting up several requests to provide feeder services. Ramaswamy told TOI that he doesn't prefer travelling much by Metro due to this very problem, but those who are dependent on Metro services have to suffer on a daily basis.
Earlier, there was a proposal (by BMTC) to provide mini-buses but it did not materialise. "The Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) was also engaged in this plan but after a while, the proposed project was declared not feasible. The project did not take off, further continuing the problem," said Preeti MS, another Malleswaram resident.
Preeti said that getting an autorickshaw is a big task at both the Metro stations, besides finding parking facilities. While autorickshaw drivers do not agree for a trip given the short distances, both stations lack designated parking space. She said auto drivers charge Rs 70-Rs 100 as against the minimum fare of Rs 30. Due to non-availability of parking, motorists park on the roads causing traffic jams. "Unless BMTC comes to the rescue, the problem will continue. This is also discouraging people from taking the Metro and commuters are ending up paying exorbitant autos fares," she added.
Rekha Chari, president, Malleswaram Swabhimana Initiative (MIS), said Malleswaram is a residential hub and many take Metro to work. Feeder buses are the need of the hour, something which both Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and BMTC have to come together and address, she said.