Despite opposition, BBMP plans 28 skywalks

Despite public opposition, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has floated tenders for building 28 skywalks on a public-private partnership (PPP) mode in various parts of the city.

The proposed skywalks will be equipped with lifts and escalators.

BBMP aims to generate advertisement revenues from the skywalks, to be executed on build-operate-transfer mode.

According to BBMP officials, they have done a feasibility study on the need for skywalks at these 28 locations. “The study by an external consultancy clearly says that these skywalks are required. Parameters like vehicle movement per hour and pedestrian movement have been considered and public and police consultations has been made,” said C Vishakant Murthy, assistant engineer, BBMP road infrastructure department.

The BBMP claims it has received requests from the public and police to construct the skywalks. “Some of the skywalks have been on request from the traffic police and public,” he added.

Successful bidders will be offered commercial advertisement rights according to BBMP’s bylaws.