JOIN USPalike walks the road safety talk
As many as 100 skywalks are set to come up in the City, where crossing the roads is a nightmare for pedestrians.
Each of the skywalks will have lifts, shelters for the users and six webcams to ensure their security.
The skywalks will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.5 crore each, on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. They will come up in three phases.
The first such skywalk, launched by former Mayor Sharadamma on K G Road on Wednesday, will serve as a model for the remaining 99. The second skywalk will come up near Mekhri Circle.
BBMP officials said the K G Road skywalk has been equipped with six security cameras - two on the staircase, two inside the lift and two on the skywalk. The control room for the skywalk cameras will be in the space earmarked for the security guard at the bottom of the ramp.
“The camera footage will be available for both BBMP and the Bangalore Police, in case of any trouble or theft,” said the official. The footage will be available for 60 days, following which it will automatically be erased. This feature will now become standard for all the other 99 skywalks.
In cases of skywalks extending over two or more roads, the number of cameras will increase to cover all possible angles. It is likely that the cameras will be used to monitor activities outside the skywalks too.
The first two phases of the project will add 35 skywalks each to the City, and the third phase will have 40 skywalks.
“BBMP has finalised the Detailed Project Report for all the 99 skywalks and is awaiting a financial feasibility report,”said the official.
As the skywalks are proposed under the PPP model, the costs of these skywalks will be borne by advertising agencies which evince interest in building them. “The skywalks will have advertising space for companies,” said the official.
Under the agreement, BBMP will earn Rs 9.16 lakh per annum apart from Rs 150 to Rs 250 per sq mt as advertising tax.