Atulya Yatra Pedestrians have faced various problems due to lack of foot overbridge between Krishnarajapuram Railway-KR Pura Bangalore Metro stations. – Atulya Yatra in India

As there is no foot over on the bridge, thousands of pedestrians face difficulties to cross the road near Krishnarajapuram railway station every day. | Photo credit: Suchith Kidiyoor

Though a much-awaited project, the launch of the Namma Metro line between KR Puram and Whitefield proves yet again that integration of different modes of transport is the afterthought of the authorities.

Thousands of pedestrians are risking their lives to cross the busy road in the absence of a foot over bridge (FOB) connecting the railway station near Krishnarajapuram railway station and the newly opened KR Pura Metro station.

Police say that 20,000 to 25,000 people cross the road every day at the junction under the cable bridge.

The area is crowded now

“Krishnarajapuram railway station is one of the famous railway stations. If a long distance train arrives, 350 to 1500 passengers get off at this time. Keeping their safety in mind, the traffic police and home guards help them cross the road in batches by stopping the traffic movement. Four to five constables, three home guards, one ASI and one SI rank police have been deployed at the junction,” said a senior traffic police officer, adding that the construction of the FOB will ease traffic movement and help pedestrians. in a big way.

Pedestrian Mahadeva R said, “Crossing the road is very dangerous. As the junction is under a bridge, it is very difficult to ascertain the movement of vehicles due to poor visibility. At fixed intervals, pedestrians block the traffic to cross the road, but it is a difficult task. The number of pedestrians increased after the opening of the Whitefield Metro Line. After alighting from KR Pura station, many commuters cross the road to board buses heading towards Silk Board. The authorities should construct a FOB connecting the two stations as soon as possible.

Problem in other railway stations too

This is not the first time authorities have “prioritised” integration of different modes of transport or providing last or first mile connectivity.

At Majestic, providing seamless connectivity between different modes of transport is yet to become a reality. Another example is the non-connection of metro and railway stations in Yeswantpur. After inaugurating the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal at Baiyappanahalli, built at a cost of around ₹320 crore, there are plans to improve the road networks.

Urban mobility expert Ashish Verma said, “Integrating different modes of transport and providing seamless connectivity access to mass transit systems should be a priority while conceptualizing and designing the project. Providing easy access can help increase footfall and provide a more comfortable journey for pedestrians. I hope Bangalore Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) will come up with a comprehensive plan to integrate various modes of transport and provide feeder services on the newly launched line.

An official of BMRCL said, “At KR Pura Metro station, a FoB will be constructed across the road for the benefit of pedestrians. Basic works are going on. There was some delay due to some land issues. Now, everything is sorted and work resumes. At Whitefield station, a decision on connection with the railway station will be taken after consulting the concerned authorities.