BBMP using pre-cast segment technology

BBMP using pre-cast segment technology


Go underground: Top: The Basaveshwara Circle subway has been built using the precast segment technology. The only problem is -- there are no takers fo
Faiza HaneefFirst Published : 17 Mar 2009 04:09:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 17 Mar 2009 10:31:06 AM IST
BANGALORE: The BBMP is on an underpasses and subways construction spree using the pre-cast segmental box technology since the success of underpass work at the Cauvery Theatre junction.
As per the Palike’s budget announced recently, seven pedestrian subways using this technology have been completed in record time and using the same technology in 2010, the BBMP proposes to construct 220 underpasses on all important roads.
This seems to be the driving force for the BBMP -- which has nosedived into the projects in great earnestness with no apparent feasibility studies before identifying the locations.
Take for example the Basaveshwara Circle.
Despite the presence of two subways here, The New Indian Express found that nobody seems to be using it.
On the other hand, we have the Hudson Circle, which is crying out for a safe pedestrian subway, but the spot has missed the BBMP’s eyes.
“Crossing the road opposite to Hudson church is a challenging task as there is no proper zebra crossing and the traffic movement is very fast. One has to wait for long to cross this stretch and it would have been appreciated if a subway were built here on priority basis,” says Sunita Mohan, an employee of a bank opposite the Hudson church.
At the Basaveshwara Circle, even the students keep away from the sub-ways while on the busy Bellary Road, students of the Veterinary College, complain that the subway is locked at most times.
The pedestrian sub-way at Malleshwaram also seems to be a waste of money as there are hardly any users. As it is a very small stretch, people prefer crossing the road rather than using the subway.
The subway on the Nrupatunga road is quite helpful for the students especially when the traffic is heavy but there was no requirement for another such sub-way on the same road.
Considering that each subway costs anything between Rs 45 and Rs 60 lakh, it becomes obvious that the BBMP is not putting its money in the right place.
BBMP sources told the Express, “The main objective of constructing these subways is to ensure pedestrian safety at every 300 metres on arterial roads. People might not use it initially but after some time, they will start using it once they realise that it is safer.
The Palike insisted that it would continue providing pedestrians with options such as subways and sky walks.
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Urban Planner A S Kodanda Pani said,“Subways would be used by the public if the Palike ensures that they are clean and devoid of any nuisance. Proper lighting of the sub-way is a must. One can have small shops inside the sub-ways to attract more users.” Kodanda Pani was of the opinion that subways are a better option than sky walks.