A lot of prominent traffic junctions in the city bear a sign board
indicating that a subway is presently undergoing renovation. This
clearly shows that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has
finally understood the importance of pedestrian subways and therefore,
undertaken the renovation of 11 subways across the city.
According
to K S Krishnaswamy, chief engineer, currently 11 subways are being
renovated with the work being at different stages of completion at
different subways.
“New tiles are being laid, the spaces are
being washed with acid, the floors are being scrubbed and necessary
amenities are being upgraded,” says Krishnaswamy, adding that the BBMP
would be recruiting security guards for each subway.
“Since the
tender for security placements had expired, we have called for a new
tender. Once that is finalised, the subways will be opened for usage,”
he explains.
According to executive engineer Raja Manohar, the
cost of renovating each subway has been billed between Rs 50-60,000 .
“It depends on the length of the subway and the works required to make
it attractive,” he says.
Previously, city subways were not only poorly ventilated but also badly maintained, posing a risk to pedestrians who used them.
“Security
guards will now play the dual role of not only guarding the subways
but also making sure that no illegal activities take place. They will
check on cleanliness too. Most subways are yet to be reopened as
security guards have not been hired.
“However, the subway near KR
Circle and one near SJP Polytechnic have both been opened. Within a
month, all the subways will sport a new look,” he stressed.
