Delay in constructing pedestrian bridge near Challaghatta metro station puts commuters at risk

Despite being announced nearly a year ago, the pedestrian bridge proposed by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) near Challaghatta metro station remains unbuilt, forcing commuters and pedestrians to cross the busy Bengaluru-Mysuru National Highway amid fast-moving traffic. The delay has raised safety concerns among local residents, students, and daily metro users.

In April 2024, BMRCL had unveiled plans to construct a pedestrian bridge across the highway, aimed at easing movement between the two sides and ensuring safer access to the metro station. The project, which was expected to be completed by September 2024, was intended to serve as a critical link for thousands of people who use the Challaghatta metro station every day. However, there has been no progress on the ground, leaving commuters to navigate the perilous stretch without a safe crossing point.

The Challaghatta metro station sees a daily ridership of nearly 10,000 passengers, with peak-hour congestion further compounding the risk for those attempting to cross the highway.

The proposed bridge is especially crucial for students from several educational institutions located nearby, including Rajarajeshwari Medical College, ACS College of Engineering, Rajarajeshwari Dental College, SDM Institute of Ayurveda and Hospital, and ICFAI Business School.

Commuters demand safety

Prakash Kumar, a long-time resident of Challaghatta, said the current situation is extremely unsafe. “It’s very dangerous to cross the highway near the station. Vehicles move at very high speeds, and there’s no signal or safe point for pedestrians. Every day, I see people running across the road, narrowly escaping accidents. It’s shocking that a bridge promised months ago has still not been built,” he said.

Students, who regularly use the metro station, have also voiced frustration over the delay. Aman Prasad, an engineering student from a nearby college, said the absence of the bridge makes their commute stressful and risky. “Crossing the highway has become a daily struggle. There’s heavy traffic at all times. We often have to wait for several minutes to cross the busy highway. A pedestrian bridge or a skywalk would make a huge difference. It would not only save time but also prevent potential accidents,” he said.

Pavitra Suresh, a student at another nearby college, said, “During peak hours, it’s chaotic. Vehicles don’t stop for pedestrians, and the service road is congested. Having a pedestrian bridge would make it much easier and safer for us to reach the metro station. It will also reduce the risk of accidents, especially in the evenings when visibility is low.”

Earlier, BMRCL officials had stated that a 100-metre-long footpath would be built along with the bridge to connect the structure directly to the entry point of the metro station. However, there has been no update from the authority on the status of the project.

When contacted, BMRCL officials did not explain the delay or the revised timeline even as commuters continue to risk their lives while crossing the highway with the hope that the long-promised bridge will become a reality before a serious accident occurs.