FoB between Krishnarajapuram and K.R. Pura stations facing delay
The longawaited construction of the foot overbridge (FoB) between Krishnarajapuram railway station and K.R. Pura metro station, originally slated for completion by the end of January, is now facing a threemonth delay.
As per members of the Mahadevapura Task ForceMobility, the casting of the secondlevel beam for the FoB at K.R. Pura metro station has been completed, but the project is currently delayed by approximately three months. “We anticipate Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to accelerate the work and promptly finish the deck slab,” Mahadevapura Task ForceMobility said.
“It was supposed to have been completed by the end of January. Now it is Marchend. We are nudging BMRCL to ensure there is no further slippage,” Mahadevapura Task ForceMobility recently stated in a post on X.
Thousands of pedestrians near Krishnarajapuram railway station are risking their lives by crossing the busy road due to the absence of an FoB connecting the railway station and the K.R. Pura station. The police stationed at the junction under the cable bridge said that approximately 30,000 people cross the road daily.
A senior traffic police official said: “The Krishnarajapuram railway station is a significant hub, often serving passengers from longdistance trains. On arrival, between 500 to 1,500 passengers alight here. To ensure their safety, traffic police and Home Guards facilitate their crossing by halting traffic intermittently. The junction is manned by four to five constables, three Home Guards, an ASI, and a police officer of SI rank.”
Police officials emphasised that the FoB would significantly alleviate traffic congestion and greatly benefit pedestrians.
“We eagerly await the opening of the FoB, which will eliminate the risk for pedestrians crossing the road,” officials said.
Rohit Rammurthy, a pedestrian, said: “The junction’s location under the bridge makes it challenging to assess vehicle movement due to poor visibility. Although they intermittently halt traffic to facilitate pedestrian crossings, it remains daunting.”
Prasanth Prabhakaran, another pedestrian, said: “The pedestrian traffic has surged since the opening of the Whitefield metro line. Upon alighting at K.R. Pura station, many commuters cross the road to catch buses heading towards the Silk Board area. It’s imperative for the authorities to expedite the construction of FoB connecting the two stations.”
A BMRCL official said, “Construction of a FoB at K.R. Pura metro station, aimed at facilitating pedestrian access, is currently underway and progressing smoothly. Previous delays were attributed to land issues, which have now been resolved, allowing the project to proceed without hindrance.”