It's now quite a challenge to cross MG Road

Pedestrians wanting to cross MG Road are having a tough time ever since the passage between the median barricades was closed recently.

The traffic police tied up all the barricades together so that they cannot be moved from their place, forcing pedestrians to walk up to the traffic signal to cross over to either side of the busy road, to reach the boulevard or the shops.

The police say pedestrian movement was allowed through the small passage only till the time BMRCL had not constructed its concourse from the Church Street side, so that commuters of Metro trains can easily walk up to the station.

With the concourse becoming operational, the small passage was closed.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Additional Police Commissioner (traffic) M A Saleem said, “Pedestrians were allowed to cross the road from the passage only till the BMRCL opened the concourse. We had clear understanding with BMRCL authorities that when the entry from the other side is opened, the passage will be closed as commuters can easily catch the trains by entering from the concourse area and also alight there. Other pedestrians can cross the road near the traffic signals. The passage in the middle of the road was too dangerous as many accidents had happened in the past.”

BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola said, “The BMRCL has provided two entries for passengers and for their own safety, they should use the Church Street side entry, instead of crossing the busy road and putting their lives at risk,” he said.

When asked whether BMRCL would facilitate the construction of an underground subway as a foot overbridge is not an option due to elevated Metro tracks, he said there was no such proposal as of now.

Rupashree (name changed), who works at a jewellery store on MG Road, said, “It has become all the more risky to cross the road at the traffic signals as the vehicles do not stop even if the pedestrians are crossing. It is impossible to cross the road at the traffic signal within the few seconds available.

 There is a dire need for a subway or a bridge for pedestrians, failing which there will be fatalities.”