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

Regular travelers in the Banashankari area are voicing their discontent about the lack of a foot-over bridge (FOB) connecting the local metro station and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) terminal.

They emphasize that the introduction of such a bridge would greatly enhance commuter convenience by enabling them to bypass congested junctions and access both public transportation systems seamlessly.

In January 2022, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had announced plans to construct a skywalk, linking the Banashankari temple, the BMTC bus terminus (housing the Traffic and Transit Management Centre), and the metro station. However, there has been no observable progress on the ground.

The Banashankari metro station, operational since June 2017, is acknowledged as one of the stations witnessing a significant influx of commuters.

The proposition for the FOB was initially put forward in 2019, following a visit to the area by Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya and local MLA R Ashoka in November, who advised officials to consider the construction of a skywalk.

Describing the current situation, the BMRCL proposal highlighted the challenging environment for pedestrians, with oddly shaped traffic islands and crossing points leading to nowhere.

Negotiating through heavy bus and vehicular traffic, pedestrians are forced to buy fruits and vegetables from vendors in the midst of the road.

Furthermore, the proposal emphasized that the envisioned Skywalk project would ensure smooth vehicular flow, designated bus stops, safe pedestrian access, and a designated space for street vendors.