Uncertainty over proposed skywalk near NR Square

Project to be implemented only if skywalk doesn't obstruct flyover: BBMP

The proposed skywalk near NR Square may not last longer, even if constructed, as it may hinder the construction of the proposed flyover from Minerva Circle to Hudson Circle, sources said.

With much fanfare, Bengaluru Development Minister K J George, on Monday, laid the foundation stone for the skywalk, which will be built on a ‘design, build, finance, operate and transfer’ basis.

Pioneer Publicity Corporation Limited, which is constructing it, will own the skywalk for 20 years on lease and pay an annual licence fee of Rs 16 lakh to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

However, even before the construction of the skywalk could begin, the Palike engineers say that if the skywalk obstructed the flyover work, then they would shift it.
Requesting anonymity, a senior Palike engineer said, “We have to see the gradients of the road and the height of the proposed flyover. If we get a gap of at least three metres (10 feet) between the flyover and the skywalk, we will go ahead with the project. Else, we may have to dismantle it.”

He cited the example of a similar project near the ISKCON temple where the skywalk was shifted due to the Metro rail project.

He, however, clarified, “The BBMP will not lose anything if the need is felt to remove the skywalk since it is a project on public-private partnership. The firm, which is constructing it, will bear the cost.”