The Deccan Herald 03.12.2010
Sophia skywalk to get three elevators
Bangalore, December 2, DHNS :
Three elevators will come up at the newly-constructed foot-over-bridge near Sophia High School - two on either side of the school and one towards the war memorial.
Inspecting the bridge on Thursday, BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah held a detailed discussion on safety measures with experts, Prof B K Raghu Prasad of the Indian Institute of Science, and H Rajasimha, Technical Advisor, BBMP, among others.
Prasad said a load test will be conducted and if necessary, steps will be taken to strengthen the structure.
Siddaiah has asked the Palike officials to provide a six feet high mesh along the railings of the staircase and elevated footpath to ensure safety of schoolchildren. He has also instructed the officials to make arrangements to fill the gaps along the staircase and pathway and to provide roofing over the stairs.
In addition to the three lifts, there is also a demand for constructing an additional stairway towards the golf course.
Under the public private partnership model, the BBMP plans to construct seven foot-over-bridges on the recommendation of the expert committee.
Private agencies will construct and maintain these overbridges against advertisement rights for an initial period of five years which shall be renewed for a further period of 25 years as per a Government Order issued in 2004.
The Commissioner of BBMP, Mr. Siddaiah has taken a very wise decision of providing Sky Walks near the schools and should also consider providing these where the traffic density is very high. The Sky Walks will not be useful for the public to cross unless it is provided with escalators and it should be friendly to Physically Challenged persons also. The Public should use this facility if it is made Pedestrian Friendly. Good Move by BBMP to Provide Sky Walks.
