The lack of reserved pedestrian crossings did not leave many people without the possibility of risking risks by crossing the busy highway. | Photo Credit: Darshan Devaiah BP
Months after the start of construction, the highly anticipated overbridge foot (FOB) on the highway controlled by Bengaluru-Massur’s access, remain largely incomplete, raising growing concerns between commuting over the safety of pedestrians. Despite the urgency of the project, the pace of progress was slow, they said.
In response to lasting pressure and instructions from the state government, the National Highway Office in India (Nhai) announced the construction of 24 FOBS at strategically important points along the highway to ensure a safe pedestrian movement. Due to the high -speed vehicle movement, the highway limits pedestrian access and is risky to decrease.
The lack of reserved pedestrian crossings has left many, especially farmers and daily wage workers, without the possibility of risking risks by exceeding the busy highway. Complaints were poured from several villages along the route and demanded solutions to this long -term problem. The purpose of FOBS was to solve these fears.
Although the construction officially launched in October 2024, ground progress tells another story. Of the 24 planned structures, only a handful reached, many of which were still at the stage of the foundation or column. A field visit to Hindu for selection of places revealed a glaring delay.
For example, in Mandya Hindus visited the place where the place of FOB remained under construction. Steel beams and other materials lay dangerously near the edge of the road for more than a day. The inhabitants are afraid that this could pose a serious danger to fast -moving vehicles. “We are worried about accidents. The materials lie next to the road where vehicles are accelerated. It’s risky,” said Mahash Kumar, resident.
Babu K., Mandy’s resident, expressed frustration over the delay and said, “Despite the previous announcement, nothing has been included. There are only a few pillars, but the staircase and the main bridge structure are missing. We waited months.”
The demand for safer movement of pedestrians is particularly urgent for farmers who often need to cross the highway to access their fields.
In the south of Bengalur, the inhabitants also repeated similar concerns. “It has been months and there is hardly any progress. We have to wait for long spaces to get in operation. It’s dangerous and stressful,” said Shantamma, Mandy farmer.
Repeated attempts to get a response from Nhai Hindu officials did not bring any answers.
Published – June 21, 2025 21:43
