BBMP: Building bridges of disaster
A walk-through bridge in Shanthinagar requires attention from the authorities as it is in a dangerously dilapidated state for months now.
Bangalore: A walk-through bridge in Shanthinagar requires attention from the authorities as it is in a dangerously dilapidated state for months now. There are two walk-through bridges built on the Rajakaluve river in Sudhamnagara in Shanthinagar.
About 3000 people use these bridges daily. Commuters have to walk through the half broken bridge and risk falling into the drain. “As this bridge is in a dilapidated state, we have to use another bridge to cross the Rajakaluve that is about one-and-a-half kilometres from here,” said Lokesh Kumar, a resident.
Citizens also want the bridge to be widened so that cars and autorickshaws can use it. “We require a broader bigger bridge that will allow autos or minivans carrying school children to travel through it,” said another resident.
The condition of the bridge has been deteriorating over the last one year. It started with cracks in the structure, then parts of it fell off into the drain, and then the sidewalls collapsed. Complaints to the local corporator have fallen on deaf ears.
“Are the authorities waiting for some mishap to happen? It is scary to see children crossing the half broken bridge with their schoolbags. Only if an accident takes place will the BBMP pay attention to the problem,” said Jai Jagan, a commuter.
It’s a disgrace to see such dilapidated structures in the heart of the city, he added. When Deccan Chronicle tried to contact the corporator of the area, Avvai, she dodged our calls. A lady who said she was the sister of the corporator said she would have Avvai call us back, but that did not happen.
We contacted the Mayor, Katte Satyanarayana stated that they discussed the issue of the footbridge at Sudhamnagar in the council meet a week ago.
He added that he has spoken to the local MLA and the corporator, and an order has been passed for the work to begin there at the earliest. Once the work begins, it will take 45 days to complete and in two months, the bridge will be functional for the residents, the mayor added. When asked whether a wider bridge would be constructed, he said the footbridge will be of the same size, but stronger and more durable.