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To encourage people to use bicycles for short trips to Metro stations, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has decided to provide free bicycle parking at nine Metro stations in the city. These stations are spread across three lines, two on the Purple Line, three on the Green Line, and four on the newly opened Yellow Line.
Bicycle Rides to Metro Stations
This decision was announced in a recent tender issued by BMRCL to manage parking facilities at Metro stations. Interested operators can submit their bids until February 9, after which BMRCL will select an agency to run the service. Currently, cyclists have to pay ₹1 per hour to park their bicycles at Metro stations, with a maximum charge of ₹10 per day. Under the new plan, this fee will be completely waived at the selected nine stations.
Parking Facility
According to a BMRCL official, the stations were chosen based on usage data. The Metro's connectivity team identified these locations as the ones most commonly used by cyclists. The official also clarified that the free parking facility will apply only to these nine stations for now. Bicycle parking fees will continue to be charged at all other Metro stations.
Cyclists' Opinions
While BMRCL believes this step will encourage more people to cycle to Metro stations, cyclists feel that better infrastructure is also needed. Sathya Sankaran, known as Bengaluru's bicycle mayor, said that the cost of parking is not the main issue. He pointed out that many stations do not have dedicated bicycle parking areas, and cyclists are often asked to move their cycles away. He stressed that proper and organised parking spaces at all stations are necessary to truly promote cycling as a last-mile option.
Another cyclist, Biju Cherayath, supported the initiative but highlighted the lack of basic facilities. He said that many stations do not have poles or stands to lock bicycles safely. According to him, even simple support structures would help cyclists feel more secure.
Stations to Watch
Purple Line: Mysuru Road, Byappanahalli
Green Line: Madawara, Peenya Industry, JP Nagar
Yellow Line: BTM Layout, Electronics City, Ragigudda, Jayadeva Hospital
