BBMP pushes for unscientific skywalk despite opposition

The BBMP’s “unscientific” foot overbridge to link the Kempegowda metro station with the third entry of the railway station at Majestic has caused damage even before it could be built.

As the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike began the preliminary work for the foot overbridge (FOB), 20 sqft of the footpath before the metro station sunk by nearly half a foot.

The civic body proposed the overbridge under the public-private partnership model, despite transportation experts warning that the structure, requiring a 40-feet climb and descend, would be unscientific.

In February, the contractor started work on the overbridge, which costs about Rs 2 crore.

Immediate repair work

“During the construction of the foot overbridge, the BBMP dug up a few pits to fix barricades. However, there was a depression in a small portion of the flooring due to the rain, and this inconvenienced the public. Hence, we took up immediate repair work,” said U A Vasanth Rao, public relations officer, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

Sources in the metro said more than Rs 5 lakh was being spent to repair the footpath. “After seeing the damage, the higher-ups have told the BBMP to shift the foot overbridge beyond the corner of the metro station,” a source said. In August 2016, the Railways had written to BMRCL, seeking provision of safe access to the third entry. The BBMP offered to build a foot overbridge, which would only benefit the advertisers rather than the passengers.

Priority to passengers

“Passengers headed to the railway station or to the metro station (from the trains) usually carry luggage and bring children along. Even with a lift, the foot overbridge would require multi-level climbing, which would be a huge inconvenience.

A subway would provide safe access at the grade level,” said activist and transport expert, Sanjeev Dyamannavar.

To a question, a senior BMRCL official agreed that a box-shaped tunnel can be easily built from the northern corner of the metro station’s west entrance. “If the BBMP joins hands with us, the entire project can be finished within six months,” the official said.

The subway to the railway station’s first entry is one of the busiest in Bengaluru, with thousands of pedestrians, mostly railway passengers, utilising it despite its poor condition.

A subway to the third entry allows for the multi-modal transport. It would not only enable the public to reach the metro directly, but will also encourage them to use the station instead of autorickshaws and cars.