Will BBMP walk the talk?

Will BBMP walk the talk?
Author: Sanchita Sen Date: 29 Feb 2008
Mid-day

Employees of IT companies on Koramangala Ring Road are still waiting for a skywalk



danger zone: Heavy traffic on the Koramangala Ring Road is a hazard for people who have to go across to the business park. Companies housed in the business park have requested for a skywalk pic/omprakash
Over 15,000 people are waiting for the BBMP to sanction a skywalk opposite the Embassy Golf Links Business Park on the Koramangala Intermediate Ring Road.

Employees of firms such as IBM, Microsoft India, Yahoo, and Goldman Sachs had submitted a memorandum on July 31, 2007 to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP), requesting for a skywalk since crossing the road during peak hours was proving to be a time-consuming and risky business.

“Forget responding to the memorandum, BBMP officials have not even met us,” said an employee of a firm housed in the business park.

Too risky

The business park is accessible only from the Koramangala-Indiranagar Intermediate Ring Road and since 30 per cent of the employees use public transport, they have to cross the busy road to reach their workplace.

“The business park has around 40,000 people working in more than 20 companies. It also provides indirect employment to approximately 10,000 people. Nearly 30 per cent of the people have to take public transport and they have to cross the busy ring road where high-speed traffic is the norm,” said Amit Ahuja, executive (corporate affairs), Embassy Group.

“Some of the employees have been involved in minor accidents while crossing the road. A skywalk for pedestrians seems to be the only option to ensure safety,” he added.

No help

“We tried to meet the BBMP commissioner several times but he keeps rescheduling our appointment. However, we did meet the joint commissioner (east) who promised to visit the spot, but he has yet to turn up here,” said Ahuja.

Firms think that a skywalk would be a good business proposition for BBMP as it offers ample advertising opportunities.

Cops want it too

M K Thammaiah, inspector, Airport Road traffic police, said, “Pedestrian safety is of utmost importance especially in an area with so many offices. Only last week, there were many accidents near that particular spot. Six people were killed and 24 were injured. Cab drivers tend to accelerate on ring roads, so a skywalk is necessary.”

Wait and watch

When MiD DAY contacted Nagraj, joint commissioner (east), he agreed that skywalks ensure pedestrian safety.

“I do recall that some people met me about a skywalk. I will try to look into it and see what can be done,” he added.