Banashankari Junction Study to Assess Feasibility of Skywalk and Grade Separator

The Bengaluru South City Corporation has decided to commission a comprehensive study to determine whether to construct a skywalk, a grade separator, or both, at the busy Banashankari junction. The decision follows a recent joint meeting chaired by Corporation Commissioner K.N. Ramesh to resolve conflicting infrastructure proposals aimed at addressing pedestrian safety and chronic traffic congestion in the area.

The civic body had originally planned to construct a skywalk at the junction to improve pedestrian safety. A groundbreaking ceremony for this project had already been conducted. However, the work was paused after Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) proposed a grade separator for the same location to ease the heavy traffic flow.

During the coordination meeting, officials from multiple departments deliberated on the feasibility of implementing both the skywalk and the grade separator without either project negatively affecting the other. Consultants and the chief engineer of the civic body pointed out that previous studies conducted by both the corporation and the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) concluded that a skywalk connecting all roads leading to the junction is essential for pedestrian safety.

B-SMILE Technical Director B.S. Prahallad stated during the meeting that he does not oppose the construction of the skywalk. However, he stressed that the skywalk's design must not hinder the potential construction of a flyover or an underpass in the future. Prahallad noted that the heavy volume of traffic at Banashankari junction requires long-term planning, meaning the proposed skywalk should be engineered to accommodate a future grade separator.

Following the discussions, Commissioner Ramesh directed officials to undertake a comprehensive assessment. The upcoming study will evaluate the necessity, costs, feasibility, and the advantages and disadvantages of both proposed projects. A detailed report will be compiled and submitted to higher authorities before a final decision is made on the infrastructure plans.