Subways, skywalks in city unusable

 The recent tragedy involving a 17-year-old PU student who lost her life while crossing the road at the Kempegowda Bus Station has brought to light the derelict state of skywalks and subways at KBS and other traffic junctions in the city.

While BBMP, BMTC and police shift the blame for such accidents onto the public, the reality is that most of these facilities are unusable.

For instance, the subway in Hebbal is pitch dark at night, making it difficult for women and the elderly to use it.

A proposal to provide rain covers on skywalks at KBS has been pending for more than a year, as BMTC and BBMP have been squabbling over shouldering the responsibility.

BMTC officials say that the Palike should take up construction of shelters for skywalks while the latter has been expressing its inability citing lack of funds.

This is in spite of the transport minister asking the State Transport Corporations, on several occasions for promoting the use of skywalks and subways.

PU student killed
The PU student who was killed in the accident earlier this month, was crossing the road in Kempegowda bus stand to catch a bus. It was pointed out that the tragedy would have been averted if she had taken the skywalk.

 However, it must be mentioned that the footover bridges here were built in the early 80s  and their use has declined over the years due to lack of shelter.