A 'Madhura Chadura Action Plan' for MG Circle

The integrated skywalk has played spoilsport with an ambitious plan to revitalise the entire Mahatma Gandhi Circle and the green ecosystem around it. The project, dubbed Madhura Chadura Action Plan, is now in jeopardy.

Conceptualised by Srinivasa Raju, a concerned heritage and civic activist, the plan is to build a visitor-friendly environment first in the iconic Mahatma Gandhi Park. In a nutshell, the objective is this: "Create comfortable seating facilities, waterbodies, aesthetic structures and landscapes besides aesthetic lighting."

Pillars with inscriptions and night lighting are also part of the plan.

The Madhura Chadura will also include the entrance to MG Road at the circle. The location will be equipped with improved footpaths to make it entirely pedestrian friendly. Also on the agenda are aesthetically designed dividers and other structures. The big idea is to create an ambience that is in sync with the ecosystem anchored by Cubbon Park and its green expanses.

An aesthetically enhanced MG Square could then be linked to the upgraded Church Street and the network of TenderSURE roads in the vicinity. Raju says he has already proposed the plan to urban architects and other experts behind the road upgrade projects.  

Who are they benefiting from this short-sighted project? This reflects a lack of allegiance to the citizens of Bengaluru.

V Ravichander, Civic evangelist:

Pedestrians should be given the first royal treatment. In the case of this junction, there is enough space for pedestrians to cross at grade.  

Satyaprakash Varanashi , INTACH:

Skywalks are never something pedestrians enjoy. There are ways of creating safe walks at grade.