8-km elevated walkways planned under Bengaluru's ORR metro line, funding still unresolved

Bengaluru: An eight-kilometre stretch of the Blue Line along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) is set to have elevated walkways under the metro viaduct, a first-of-its-kind design that would offer direct access to tech parks and offices employing a large workforce.

The proposal was approved at a meeting of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) on Tuesday. However, no decision was taken on funding, with the responsibility now resting with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) and the Outer Ring Road Companies Association (ORRCA).

As per the concept plan, the walkway will benefit tech parks located midway between two metro stations, which currently face accessibility issues due to the lack of proper footpaths and frequent encroachments.

The plan is not new.

When the Blue Line was at the design stage, a request was made to the BMRCL to construct foundations for two small pillars alongside each metro pillar to accommodate an elevated skywalk. The idea was mooted to address pedestrian and walkability challenges along the ORR, which employs an estimated 6 to 8 lakh people.

In a letter to the GBA and BMRCL, Mahadevapura MLA Manjula Aravind Limbavali also sought the construction of an elevated walkway, particularly between Iblur and Mahadevapura. GBA approval was required as the project area falls within the corporation limits.

Clement Jayakumar, a member of the Mahadevapura Task Force, said the project was conceptualised to improve access to metro stations along the ORR.

“There are about 30,000 people working in Cessna Business Park, but the nearest metro station is some distance away. A skywalk under the metro viaduct connecting the station to the tech park will help commuters avoid navigating narrow and encroached footpaths,” he said. He added that Eco Space, located about 500 metres from the station, would also benefit significantly.

Jayakumar urged the BMRCL to bear part of the project cost, while tech companies could fund the remainder and provide land for installing the skywalk.

Manas Das, president of ORRCA, said the association does not have any revenue source, though some developers had expressed willingness to fund parts of the project. “It’s a work in progress,” he said.

BMRCL Managing Director J Ravishankar did not respond to calls or text messages seeking comment.