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Private players not interested in building skywalks

Say no revenue from ads in Mahalakshmi Layout areas
Last Updated 30 August 2016, 19:56 IST

Plans to construct skywalks at three locations in the Mahalakshmi Layout Assembly constituency have not materialised for at least three years now as private players have not expressed interest in participating in the bid.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had floated tenders for the construction of skywalks near Iskcon Temple near Rajajinagar First Block, Rajkumar Samadhi near Nandini Layout and Bovipalya Road in Nagapura on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

A BBMP source told DH the tenders were floated several times. But no private player came forward stating that not much revenue could be earned through advertisements in these places.

‘No scope for visibility’
The source said, “Though many people taking these routes, private players are of the opinion that there is no scope for visibility if they wish to advertise as there are pillars all along. This is one of the reasons for the delay in the work even after the government has given all clearances.”

A tender was floated for the construction of a skywalk with lift at the site of the grade separator along Chord Road and 10th Cross Junction, Rajajinagar First Block, yet again on August 18.

The first tender was invited in 2013. According to MLA K Gopalaiah, the tender was floated for construction of skywalk near Iskcon Temple at least four times. “We are doing it again now as there was no response earlier,” Gopalaiah added. Bovipalya and Rajkumar Samadhi skywalks projects are also facing similar challenges. The residents of these areas sought skywalks even at the recently held Deccan Herald-Prajavani ‘Citizens for Change’ event.

Constant risk
They said they are under constant risk as there are no pedestrian crossings in these areas. The residents felt the need for skywalks due to heavy vehicular movement.
Asha Premnath, a resident of Nagapura, said traffic congestion is a problem in the area. “After the construction of the new flyover near Rajajinagar First Block Bus Stop, it has become even more difficult for the pedestrians to cross the road,” she said.

E Ramakrishnaiah, president, Rajajinagar Residents’ Welfare Association, said there was a need for a skywalk and urged the MLA to look into the matter.

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(Published 30 August 2016, 19:56 IST)

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