Commuters using Majestic metro station and the city bus stand will have to wait for some time before they can use the newly-constructed foot-over-bridge (FOB) linking the two transport hubs. According to officials, the FoB will be opened to the public only after lights are installed and a roof is built.
For now, commuters will have to use a walkway adjacent to Gubbi Thotadappa Road (which is not directly linked to city bus stand) or cross the busy road to reach the bus stand.
“This has to be completed as soon as possible. It will be a boon for people who are not familiar with Majestic, as they find it difficult to navigate the route between the metro station and the bus stand,” said Praveen J., a resident of Jayanagar, who travels by metro to Majestic every day.
The skywalk, once open, will have to be maintained properly, say regular commuters who are disappointed with the newly-built walkway, which is linked to the subway and connects city railway station to the bus stand, as it is occupied by hawkers.
Several people have taken to social media to express their unhappiness with the delay.
Urban transport expert Sanjeev Dyamannavar blamed the delay on poor planning on the part of authorities. "The apathy of authorities has been thoroughly exposed. Did they not they know that lighting and shelter are basic needs?”
P.C. Mohan, Member of Parliament representing Central Bengaluru, said, “A lot of work related to lighting and roofing is pending. Officials of KSRTC and BMRCL are answerable to the public.”
Acknowledging the delay, U. A. Vasanth Rao, Chief Public Relations officer of BMRCL, said work will be completed in a few days.
Skywalk is incomplete
The opening of the pedestrian bridge that will connect Namma Metro City Railway Station to KSR City Railway Station is likely to be delayed by another three months. The bridge has already missed several deadlines.
Once completed, the bridge will provide direct access from the metro station exit to Platform 10 of the railway station. Currently, commuters exiting the metro station have to walk through a narrow, poorly lit lane and a flight of stairs to reach Platform 10, which is inconvenient for passengers carrying baggage.
Susheelamma, a regular commuter at the railway station, said, “The bridge will make the commute safer for women, especially at night.”
U.A. Vasanth Rao said, “We have almost completed our part of the construction. Most of the remaining work is to be done by the Railways.”
