BBMP seeks metro OK for MG Road skywalk

Despite public opposition, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is firm on building a foot overbridge across MG Road in four months. The starting date for the construction would be known by Monday.

The skywalk is aimed at providing easier access to the Rangoli - Metro Art Center, which abuts onto the MG Road metro station. On Thursday, BBMP officials conducted a ground-breaking ceremony next to Navrathan Jewellers. A priest showed up and did puja. But officials had to back off after local MLA, N A Haris, arrived at the spot and demanded to see the necessary approvals, including a letter from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL).

The BBMP has now written to the BMRCL Managing Director Ajay Seth, seeking permission. Vishakanta Murthy, Assistant Executive Engineer, BBMP, said the project had been stopped “for now” for want of the BMRCL’s permission. “Once we get the BMRCL’s approval, we will start the work and hope to complete it in four months. The contract has been given to Ripple Media (an outdoor home advertising solutions provider). We hope that by Monday, the date to start the work will be fixed,” he told DH. In January, the civic body had scrapped the idea of building an integrated skywalk at Queen’s Circle on MG Road following public criticism.