There’s no end to the woes of pedestrians in Maruti Seva Nagar. With no pedestrian crossing, those going towards Kammanahalli have to dart across the unmanned railway crossing there. S. Venkatesh, resident of Janakiram Layout in the area, said there is an immediate need for a pedestrian crossing (railway over-bridge) at the spot.
“It is perilous, especially since children cross the railway line to reach their schools,” said M. Srinivas, a resident of Naganapalya.
He said he drops his children on a two-wheeler to prevent them crossing the busy track.
End of footpath
Muruga Das, president of Seva Nagar Kammanahalli Residents’ Welfare Vedike, blames the flyover, constructed some eight years ago, for the footpath’s disappearance. “Before its construction, there was a comfortable footpath for pedestrians in Kammanahalli.”
Muniyamma, who works in a garment factory in Banaswadi, said as it is, crossing the railway line was difficult, but it was more dangerous during the night. “It is unsafe for women. Our factory shift ends late evening. We always walk in groups for safety,” she said.
In Railways’ court
When contacted, a Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) official said that a foot over-bridge was initially approved in July 2011 for which Rs. 2.95 crore was sanctioned. “When the work was taken up, we encountered several technical problems, following which construction was stopped. The project has now been handed over to the Railways itself.” The official clarified that while the Railways would take up the work, the project would be funded by the BBMP.
A senior official with the South Western Railway confirmed that the design was ready. “We will submit it to the BBMP in a week. After it is approved, work will be taken up.”
Until then, the pedestrians will have to continue to make a dash across the railway line.
