The BBMP’s latest obsession is to build underground subways for busy streets so that people can cross the roads without having to wait for the signal or without the fear of being knocked down by some speeding vehicle. But who uses these subways? I have never seen anyone using the subway. If there is a divider on the road, they prefer to find a bend in it to cross rather than use the subway.
Now it makes me wonder if the BBMP ever cared to find out, through a survey, how many people were crossing these streets and whether a subway would serve its purpose. All of a sudden they decided that roads should have subway and they built them. The other day when I was passing by Raj Bhavan Road I happened to glance inside the subway and saw about five people sleeping in it and close to 20 pedestrians crossing the road at the signal. This is ridiculous!. But our fault totally.
We know that it is safer to use the subway but are lazy to walk till there and climb up and down the stairs. We feel it is a waste of time and energy when we can cross the road by just taking a few steps across the street. Never mind, if the signal is still red. Everyone said that a subway could have prevented the death of the school girl, Asha near Nelamangala on August 15. Maybe true but remembering the way I used to cross St. Marks Road after school I doubt it would’ve helped.
I personally feel that a policeman should be stationed near every subway and those not using it should be fined. The same should be done to bus drivers who don’t use the bus bays which are built. They stop the buses much before the stop and many times, in the middle of the road. So many accidents and more than half the jams happen because of this.
Henceforth, if you want to cross the road and it has a subway then USE IT.
Santhoshi KM
