Bengaluru plans 8 new skywalks despite poor maintenance of 82 existing ones

Bengaluru is planning to move forward with the construction of eight new skywalks at key locations such as Tank Bund Road, Tumkur Road, Old Madras Road, and near Carlton Towers on Old Airport Road. However, the decision is drawing concern from urban planners and citizens, given the dismal state of the city’s existing infrastructure.

Also read: Pedestrian struggle: Urgent need for skywalk at Banashankari Junction in Bengaluru

Of the 82 skywalks currently in place, 64 are equipped with lifts, yet most remain inoperative due to broken mechanisms, power shortages, or locked access points. Only four skywalks feature escalators, which too are often out of order. This leaves many pedestrians—especially senior citizens, people with disabilities, and parents with young children—struggling to use the structures safely.

Most of the skywalks were constructed under public-private partnership models (59), while 15 were built using government grants. Only four are directly maintained by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), with the remainder left to private agencies and the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), often with poor oversight and limited maintenance.

Even in high-footfall areas like KR Puram, Yeshwanthpur, and Marathahalli, many commuters avoid using skywalks, opting instead to cross busy roads. Poor conditions, lack of surveillance, and minimal security contribute to the low usage rates.

As the city plans to expand its pedestrian infrastructure, residents are urging BBMP to prioritize repairing and upgrading the current skywalks to ensure safety and accessibility before investing in new ones.