BENGALURU: The newly done up ‘model pedestrian path’ at T N Srikantayya Circle (South End Circle) is set to be inaugurated at 11.30 this morning.
Mayor B N Manjunath Reddy will do the honours and former deputy chief minister R Ashok will preside over the ceremony. Deputy Mayor, Yediyur ward corporator Poornima Ramesh, the BBMP Commissioner, members of various political parties and statutory committee heads are expected to attend.
“The length of the footpath is 1.7 km, and this has cost us Rs 1.6 crore,” said Poornima.
She compares the sidewalk to Tender SURE footpaths. “We have OFC ducts, sanitation and sewage pipes laid out in a similar fashion. But unlike the RCP (Reinforced Concrete Pipes) which weathers away faster, the footpath has shoulder drain systems,” she said.
A rainwater harvesting system is also in place, she added. “This will help increase the ground water level.”
The footpath has granite benches along it, so that senior citizens and those suffering from health complications can rest. “We have grilled tiles on the footpath to prevent two-wheelers from getting on to them,” she says.
On its aesthetics, Poornima said, “Medicinal plants have been planted along the path, which helps increase oxygen and adds to the overall look. Lamps, 4 ft high, have been installed. These are powered by waste produced in the area. The unique projects and possessions of the Yediyur find place on the walls.”
Only time will tell if the footpath is as pedestrian-friendly as it is made out to be, PU student R Bhavitha told City Express. “The rain has been able to damage footpaths across the city in 15 days. Let’s hope, this one holds up,” she said.