Skywalks at strategic locations in city soon

Skywalks at strategic locations in city soon
Skywalks with escalators will make it easier for pedestrians to cross some busy city roads, says Leena Mudbidri


It's another shot in the arm for the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) publicprivate partnership (PPP) module. Now, even state-of-the-art skywalks with escalators are being planned on the PPP model across busy roads in the city for smoother pedestrian-friendly movement.
The BBMP's Special Commissioner (Projects), K R Srinivasa, said, "56 traffic nerve centres in the city near schools, shopping areas and bus stops have been identified for the installation of the trendy skywalks. We have divided them into 14 area-wise packages having around 4-5 skywalks in one group. The skywalks have been offered on a design-build-operatetransfer (DBOT) basis."
The first package will be implemented in Malleswaram in mid-May. This package will have four skywalks.
Tendering process
According to Srinivasa, the BBMP has evaluated the technical bids and the final bids will be opened on April 18, 2008. "According to the DBOT guidelines, those awarded the contract will also be handling the advertising rights on the skywalks. As per our initial notification, they will be awarded a 10-year contract. However, this time during our pre-bid meetings, we were requested by the bidders to extend the contract to 15 years," informed Srinivasa. The initial 10-year contract was applicable for conventional skywalks because they cost lesser than the new, state-of-the-art ones with escalators. "Each escalator costs Rs 40-50 lakhs and with four escalators slated in each group for either side of the skywalk, the cost is pegged at around Rs 2.5 crores. Hence, the request by bidders to increase the contract tenure to 15 years," informed the official.
Skywalk design
The design of the skywalks will be site-specific, meaning it will depend on the space and area plan. "The escalators will conform to the skywalk design. There are different types of escalators such as spiral, staggered with landings etc," said the special commissioner.
Existing skywalks
Right now seven skywalks have been constructed on a DBOT basis at Maharani's College junction, Iskcon, Residency Road, Kodihalli, C V Raman Road, Jayanagar and Indiranagar 100 Feet Road. The skywalk on KG Road has been functioning for several years now.
Srinivasa rues that the pedestrians do not use the skywalk facilities provided and prefer to dart across the traffic-laden roads. "Even young college and school students do not use the skywalks," says Srinivasa.