Delay in developing pedestrian bridge close to Challaghatta metro station in Bengaluru places commuters in danger

Despite being introduced practically a yr in the past, the pedestrian bridge proposed by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) close to Challaghatta metro station stays unbuilt, forcing commuters and pedestrians to cross the busy Bengaluru-Mysuru National Highway amid fast-moving site visitors. The delay has raised security issues amongst native residents, college students, and day by day metro customers.

In April 2024, BMRCL had unveiled plans to assemble a pedestrian bridge throughout the freeway, geared toward easing motion between the 2 sides and making certain safer entry to the metro station. The undertaking, which was anticipated to be accomplished by September 2024, was meant to function a crucial hyperlink for 1000’s of people that use the Challaghatta metro station day by day. However, there was no progress on the bottom, leaving commuters to navigate the perilous stretch with no secure crossing level.

The Challaghatta metro station sees a day by day ridership of practically 10,000 passengers, with peak-hour congestion additional compounding the danger for these making an attempt to cross the freeway.

The proposed bridge is particularly essential for college kids from a number of instructional establishments positioned close by, together with Rajarajeshwari Medical College, ACS College of Engineering, Rajarajeshwari Dental College, SDM Institute of Ayurveda and Hospital, and ICFAI Business School.

Commuters demand security

Prakash Kumar, a long-time resident of Challaghatta, stated the present scenario is extraordinarily unsafe. “It’s very harmful to cross the freeway close to the station. Vehicles transfer at very excessive speeds, and there’s no sign or secure level for pedestrians. Every day, I see folks working throughout the highway, narrowly escaping accidents. It’s stunning {that a} bridge promised months in the past has nonetheless not been constructed,” he stated.

Students, who usually use the metro station, have additionally voiced frustration over the delay. Aman Prasad, an engineering pupil from a close-by school, stated the absence of the bridge makes their commute worrying and dangerous. “Crossing the freeway has change into a day by day battle. There’s heavy site visitors always. We usually have to attend for a number of minutes to cross the busy freeway. A pedestrian bridge or a skywalk would make an enormous distinction. It wouldn’t solely save time but in addition forestall potential accidents,” he stated.

Pavitra Suresh, a pupil at one other close by school, stated, “During peak hours, it’s chaotic. Vehicles don’t cease for pedestrians, and the service highway is congested. Having a pedestrian bridge would make it a lot simpler and safer for us to succeed in the metro station. It may also scale back the danger of accidents, particularly within the evenings when visibility is low.”

Earlier, BMRCL officers had acknowledged {that a} 100-metre-long footpath can be constructed together with the bridge to attach the construction on to the entry level of the metro station. However, there was no replace from the authority on the standing of the undertaking.

When contacted, BMRCL officers didn’t clarify the delay or the revised timeline at the same time as commuters proceed to threat their lives whereas crossing the freeway with the hope that the long-promised bridge will change into a actuality earlier than a critical accident happens.