The bustling streets of Bengaluru hide a dangerous secret beneath them. A network of pedestrian subways, built to ensure safe crossing, now stands as a testament to civic neglect, forcing walkers to gamble with their lives on chaotic roads above.
A Catalogue of Civic Failures
An inspection by The Deccan Herald has revealed a shocking state of disrepair across multiple subways in India's tech capital. The subway near the Sirsi Circle flyover is emblematic of the problem, perpetually waterlogged and filled with garbage, rendering it completely unusable. Similarly, the underpasses at Okalipuram and near the City Railway Station are in a pathetic condition, plagued by poor lighting, water stagnation, and an overwhelming stench.
These are not minor inconveniences but major safety hazards. The BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) has identified 11 such subways for immediate renovation, acknowledging the severity of the issue. However, the gap between identification and action remains worryingly wide.
Pedestrians Pay the Price with Their Safety
The direct consequence of this neglect is a severe compromise of pedestrian safety. With subways flooded, dark, and filthy, citizens have no choice but to avoid them. This forces people, including the elderly and children, to dart across high-traffic roads like the busy stretch near Sirsi Circle.
"We are literally risking our lives every day," said a frustrated daily commuter. The situation turns particularly dire during Bengaluru's infamous monsoon rains, when waterlogging increases, making these underground passages treacherous and inaccessible.
BBMP's Response and the Road Ahead
BBMP officials have cited tendering processes and the need for comprehensive repairs, including fixing drainage and installing new lights, as reasons for the delay. While plans exist, the execution on the ground is painfully slow. The civic body's promise to revamp these crucial infrastructures is yet to translate into visible, tangible change for Bengaluru's pedestrians.
This persistent issue highlights a broader failure in urban planning and maintenance. Safe pedestrian infrastructure is not a luxury but a fundamental right. The continued neglect of subways not only endangers lives but also contradicts the city's image as a modern metropolis. Until the BBMP prioritizes and expedites these repairs, the people of Bengaluru will remain vulnerable, forced to choose between a hazardous underpass and an even more perilous road crossing.
