Footpaths under Namma Metro in shambles, commuters irked

The footpaths and corridors of Namma Metro are in shambles and the citizens are looking towards the BBMP and the BMRCL to set things right.

In 2015, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) jointly took up the project of constructing and maintaining the footpaths along the Namma Metro stretch, that runs for 40 km across the city. However, the authorities seem to have forsaken these pavements long ago, leaving most of them in a deplorable condition.

The metro stations on the Purple Line seem to be the most neglected, according to commuters.

“The footpath is in a terrible condition along the Halasuru metro station. The bad roads add to the risks that a pedestrian faces while using this stretch,” said Murali, a pedestrian.

Other than the ill-maintained pavements, people face the issue of vendors encroaching the spaces meant for walking. For instance, the occupied footpath near the Indiranagar metro station leaves no space for pedestrians to walk.

“The peak times during the evening are the worst when the pavement is encroached by the street vendors, making it tough even to set a foot on it. Whatever is left for use, is mostly damaged,” complained a commuter, Raghavendra Bhat.

The BMRCL, however, said that the work has already begun to repair these stretches and that the necessary funds have already been handed over to the Palike.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, managing director, BMRCL, Mahendra Jain, said: “The BBMP is responsible for the development of these footpaths, while the BMRCL funds the project. This year, Rs 200 crore from the budget has been allocated to develop the metro footpath within a kilometre radius."

Asked about the footpath work that has been completed so far, Jain, said, “The work has been completed in MG Road and Vijayanagar. Most of the other work is in progress and is expected to be completed soon.” “The detailed project report is prepared by the BBMP and submitted to the BMRCL for developing the footpath, and the tender will be called soon,” he added.

BBMP gears up to face rain-related issues

The BBMP officials on Monday held a meeting to discuss strategies for the rainy season. Since the rain had created a havoc in the city last year, with flooded homes, waterlogged streets, uprooted trees, potholes and deaths, this year, the civic body has taken the issue seriously.

During the meeting, chaired by BBMP commissioner M Maheshwar Rao, the officials decided to take precautionary measures like clearing waterlogging and the uprooted trees in three hours. The Palike has set up 24-hour helpline centres in all its eight zones. The civic body also plans to set up 63 temporary control rooms in the zonal offices.

According to the Palike, 25 lakes inlets and silt traps are cleaned to avoid overflowing of the lakes. It will also clean stormwater drains to avoid blockages.