Subways: More a menace than a boon

Subways: More a menace than a boon
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: To cope with the increasing traffic and pedestrian populations, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) introduced sub-ways in prime locations like Majestic and Shivajinagar.

Today, the four sub-ways in these locations are more of a problem to people than a convenience.

The subways are prone to overcrowding by vendors, increasing population influx and illicit activities. People are reluctant to use them, due to lack of adequate security and unhygienic atmosphere.

Rather than ensuring cleanliness in the existing ones, the BBMP is busy chalking out plans for four new subways.

“It’s very dangerous to use the subway as often there is no adequate lighting and there are no police officials to curb the illicit activities which take place, especially at night. We prefer to use the main roads and walk a little more, rather than be harassed,” said Chandrika K, a student.

Some also opine that the subways are not properly designed to handle the volume of pedestrians.

“Hawkers leave very little space for walking. Police officials should be deployed on regular duty to ensure that violators are fined. BBMP should renovate and maintain the existing ones rather than initiating new ventures,” said Sharan M, who regularly commutes by bus.