Bengaluru's Mahadevapura Zone to Get 50 km Pedestrian Pathway Revamp
In a significant move to enhance urban walkability, officials have been directed to develop 50 kilometres of safe and accessible pedestrian pathways in Bengaluru's Mahadevapura zone within a strict two-month timeframe. This ambitious project prioritises key stretches along metro corridors, aiming to improve commuter safety and address long-standing infrastructure gaps in high-footfall areas.
Metro Corridor Focus and Inspection Walkathon
The proposed improvements will concentrate on pedestrian infrastructure along the Purple Line metro corridor, ensuring safer access for metro users and filling critical footpath voids in urban stretches. To assess on-ground conditions, a 10-kilometre walkathon was conducted from Phoenix Mall to Hope Farm under the Bengaluru East City Corporation limits. This inspection involved over 120 citizens, reflecting strong community participation in urban infrastructure monitoring and highlighting the vital role of public engagement in pedestrian safety initiatives.
Identified Infrastructure Issues and Immediate Actions
During the inspection, officials identified several pressing issues requiring immediate attention:
- Structural Repairs: Slab repairs are needed at 10 locations due to structural weaknesses that could pose risks to pedestrians if neglected.
- Encroachments and Obstructions: Unauthorised vehicle parking at two spots, construction material dumped at one location, and one instance of encroachment were noted, all obstructing pedestrian movement.
- Technical Issues: Four BESCOM-related technical issues were flagged along the stretch, prompting instructions for immediate coordination to ensure safety and prevent disruptions.
Authorities have been instructed to clear footpath obstacles, resolve road-widening bottlenecks, and eliminate encroachments to ensure continuous and barrier-free pedestrian movement.
Project Wakaluru Progress and Funding
This walkathon marks the 11th inspection under Project Wakaluru, a city-wide initiative that has already reviewed 88 kilometres of footpaths across Bengaluru for safety, accessibility, and structural improvements. Adequate funds have been assured for the Mahadevapura project, with suggestions to explore partnerships with corporate organisations to accelerate implementation and enhance infrastructure delivery timelines, ensuring timely completion of the 50 km pathway development.
