HEBBAL:The skywalk promised near Esteem Mall in the wake of three fatal accidents has made zero progress in eight months. The mall attracts thousands every day, and the crossing is also used by a huge number of people living and working in the neighbourhood.
Earlier this year, under public pressure, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had promised a skywalk to help make the crossing safer. In May, when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah went on his city rounds, he inspected the spot and promised that the skywalk would come up soon.
Jyothi, who lives in the vicinity, is mortified every time she needs to cross the road. “I am a frequent visitor to the mall, and the crossing is scary. Since the roads are wide, vehicles speed recklessly,” she told City Express.
When politicians promised a skywalk, she was relieved. “But they have done nothing,” she said.
In February, Arpitha (20) and Anand Kumar (25) were crushed to death by a speeding tanker at the junction. Sumanth Reddy, Kusumashri, Akshata and three others sustained severe injuries but survived.
Driver Yatish Bhanu (28) was arrested. Video footage showed he had jumped the signal.
After the accident, angry students had demanded a skywalk. Kannada organisations had joined the protest and Ballari Road, which links the city to the airport, was jammed for two hours.
Minister Reddy blames NHAI
District In-charge Minister Ramalinga Reddy blamed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the delay. “Initially, the BBMP wanted to build the skywalk at Amruthahalli on a public-private model. Later, Columbia Asia Hospital took up the responsibility. But NHAI did not grant them permission,” he said. He believes NHAI is building the skywalk on its own. “From what I know, the foundation has been laid and fabrication work is going on,” he said. He reckons no deadline has been set for its completion.
The NHAI was not available for comment despite multiple attempts to reach it.
Lives Lost to Indifference
Three accidents this year highlight the extreme hazards at the junction near Esteem Mall
February 26:
A 20-year-old B Com student of Sindhi College and a 25-year-old employee of a private firm lost their lives after a speeding water tanker ploughed them down at the pedestrian crossing.
March 25: A speeding truck ran amok, damaging three cars, an autorickshaw and four two-wheelers. Two people, including a 45-year-old woman, escaped with minor injuries.
April 9: A private bus rammed into a median and then hit an electric pole. Traffic was thrown out of gear for over four hours as several vehicles were crushed under the pole.