Bengaluru to Construct 8 New Skywalks Amid Concerns of Low Usage

Rapid Summary

• Bengaluru plans to construct eight new skywalks at locations such as Tank Bund Road, Tumkur Road near RMC Yard, Old Madras Road, and old Airport Road near Carlton Towers.
• The city already has 82 existing skywalks, many of which are underutilized or poorly maintained.
• Of the existing skywalks:

– 64 have lifts; though, most are non-functional due to lack of electricity or maintenance.- Only four have escalators; these too are frequently out of order.
– Stairs on many skywalks are steep and uneven, creating barriers for elderly and physically challenged pedestrians.

• Complaints from citizens include difficulty climbing stairs in summer heat and frustration over dysfunctional lifts and escalators. Many prefer crossing dangerous roads instead of using skywalks.
• Maintenance issues persist under both private agencies (PPP model) and government oversight (BBMP/BDA).
• BBMP claims only four skywalks under its direct control are well-maintained while notices have been sent to others responsible for upkeep.

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Image Source: TOI

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The proposal for eight new skywalks amid ongoing challenges with existing infrastructure reflects a mismatch between planning principles and execution standards in Bengaluru’s urban progress. While facilitating safe pedestrian crossings is critical given the city’s chaotic traffic conditions, persistent maintenance failures from both private agencies and authorities undermine their utility.Non-functional lifts and escalators restrict access for senior citizens, women with children, persons with disabilities – precisely those meant to benefit most from such projects.

From an urban management perspective,investing in new construction without ensuring operational efficiency of current installations could exacerbate public mistrust. BBMP’s reliance on outsourcing maintenance through PPP models raises questions about accountability mechanisms. This offers an opportunity to revisit contractual obligations or adopt stricter monitoring frameworks before pursuing additional projects. Prioritizing functional upgrades could lead not only to better usage but also strengthened civic trust.Without holistic infrastructural improvements coupled with community-oriented design solutions like accessible lift/elevator systems across all sites, the addition of more facilities risks replicating past inefficiencies rather than resolving core mobility concerns within Bengaluru’s urban fabric.Read More