Footbridge at Yeshwantpur station remains on paper

Proposal was submitted before Metro operations began on Swastik-Peenya stretch

 Even as passengers alighting at one of the busiest railway stations in the City try to strike a bargain with the overcharging autorickshaw drivers,  the proposed extension of the foot overbridge between the Yeshwantpur railway station and the Metro station remains on paper.

In fact, if the officials’ word is anything to go by, the commuters will have to face this inconvenience for another year and a half.

The railway station handles over 80 long-distance trains. However, there is hardly any signage at the station informing the passengers, specially coming from outstations, about the availability of Metro services.

Blame it on the lack of initiative on the part of the South Western Railways or the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the much-needed extension of the existing foot overbridge till the Metro station entrance remains a pipe dream.

The proposal that gathers dust is over two years old, submitted much before the operations on the Swastik-Peenya stretch of BMRCL began this March.

However, it is the passengers who are at loss and have to meddle their way through the busy and choc-o-bloc platforms to reach the road outside.

The South Western Railway officials say that there is no glitch from their side and that the BMRCL is supposed to undertake the construction of the extended foot overbridge.

‘NoC issued’

Speaking with Deccan Herald, South Western Railways Divisional Railway Manager, Anil K Aggarwal, said, “We have already issued a no objection certificate to the BMRCL in this regard and they can go ahead with the project.”

The letter also states that the Railways will not even charge BMRCL anything, Aggarwal  added.

On the other hand, Pradeep Singh Kharola, Managing Director, BMRCL, said, “As of now very small number of train passengers use Metro service as the connectivity is only till Swastik and it is difficult for the commuters to change the mode of transport with heavy luggage again and again.”

The managing director said, “Once the Majestic interchange station is ready for operation by the middle of next year, the much-needed connectivity will be in place. Then, there will be passengers in large numbers to utilise the same. Before that, the extension of the foot overbridge will be done.”

At present, similar, foot overbridge exists between Baiyyapannahalli Railway Station and Baiyyapannahalli Metro station for the convenience of commuters.