Karnataka - Bangalore   

Jayanagar gets `skywalk'; 27 more planned for city

Afshan Yasmeen

These bridges will provide space for pedestrians and advertisers

WALK EASY: The `skywalk' at Jayanagar 4th Block in Bangalore. — Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash

BANGALORE: Subways are passé for the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP).

The civic body is now planning elegant walkways with escalators offering ample space for pedestrians and advertisers, which will not require any land acquisition or shifting of utilities as in the construction of subways.

One such "skywalk" has come up in Jayanagar and 27 more will be set up by the end of next year.

The BMP will not have to spend anything on these skywalks as the structures will be built on a "build-operate-transfer" basis.

The Civil Engineering Department of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has prepared the design for skywalks. "These will not be the regular concrete footbridges. But reusable modular pre-fabricated type of skywalks made of steel pipes.

The structures can be erected quickly and are portable in nature. They will be fitted with escalators instead of concrete steps," former BMP Technical Advisor R. Jaiprasad told The Hindu .

"The advantage of having skywalks is that traffic flow will not be disturbed during construction. As we do not have to shift underground utilities, the time required for construction will be short reducing inconvenience to citizens," he said.

When the Sangam subway on Subashnagar Tank Bund Road was constructed a few years ago, motorists were put to hardship as the work went on for over two years. This was because the BMP had to shift underground utilities.

Contract

A senior official in the BMP's engineering wing said the BMP has awarded the contract to Geodesic Techniques, which will set up eight skywalks at a cost of Rs. 4.2 crores in the first phase.

"Based on the density of traffic and pedestrian flow, we have identified 27 places for skywalks. The operator, who will install the escalator, will be permitted to advertise on skywalks till his term ends," the official said.

Three skywalks will come up in two months on Richmond Road, Kodihalli on Airport Road and C.V. Raman Road near Kendriya Vidyalaya. Those to be built in the first phase will come up on Vijaya College Road, near Lalbagh West Gate, K.H. Road, Residency Road, Rashtriya Vidyalaya Road, Cunningham Road and Airport Road.

"Based on the success of these skywalks, the BMP is likely to plan longer skywalks. For example, to connect the Mysore Bank Circle and the Railway Station," the official added.

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