KR Market subway opens at last

The new pedestrian subway at the Krishna Rajendra (KR) Market was inaugurated on Monday by Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar.

The pedestrian subway, linking N R Road, Avenue Road, KR Road and Kalasipalya Road, has been constructed at a total cost of Rs six crore. Maruthi Constructions Private Limited Agency has executed the project. While the total length of the subway is 128 meters, its height is 3.3 meters.

For Devi A N, an employee in a private software company near KR Market, the new structure is a huge relief. She said: “Crossing the road, especially at N R Road, was a big headache. It took almost 15 to 20 minutes to reach the bus stop and go to the neighbouring roads. With this subway, we can now reach safely, without hassles.”

On the sidelines of the inauguration of the subway, Shettar said: “The market, which attracts a large number of people from in and around the City, needed this subway. I have directed Mayor D Venkatesh Murthy and BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah to maintain all subways in the City properly.”

A BBMP official said that the project that started in 2006 got delayed as there was massive sewage pipe obstruction and shifting it took a lot of time. Besides helping pedestrians, the elderly people and those who want to reach nearby government hospitals such as Victoria Hospital, Minto Hospital, Vani Vilas Maternity and Children’s Hospital can do so easily through the subway.

Shettar also dedicated to the public, the Dorekere Lake near Uttarahalli, which has been revived at a cost of about Rs 6.5 crore. The lake rejuvenation has been going on for the last three years. Sewage was eating up the historic lake, which was constructed by the founder of Bangalore, Kempegowda.

The Palike has set up a sewage treatment plant on its banks. The treated water is not only filling the water body to the brim, it is also helping irrigate the plantations in and around Uttarahalli.