New Skywalk Planned at Aurobindo Junction in Jayanagar to Improve Pedestrian Safety

The Bengaluru city corporations have initiated work on a proposal to construct 101 skywalks across the city, including a major new structure at Aurobindo Junction in Jayanagar. The project, which was recently set in motion following a list submitted by the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) earlier this year, aims to establish safer pedestrian infrastructure and align with an ongoing footpath clearance and redevelopment drive.

The development follows directions from the Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to improve and expand pedestrian walkways, following observations made by the Supreme Court of India regarding footpaths.

At Aurobindo Junction in Jayanagar, the new skywalk is expected to resolve significant traffic and safety challenges. Currently, traffic from a newly opened double-decker downramp descends directly into the junction. During peak hours, traffic police must halt vehicular movement to allow pedestrians to cross, which briefly disrupts the flow of traffic. BTP officials stated that a skywalk at this location will ensure both pedestrian safety and smoother traffic movement.

The 101 proposed skywalk locations were identified by the BTP through a scientific evaluation. Officers at the police station level identified high-risk areas based on daily monitoring, traffic volume, pedestrian movement, pedestrian fatalities, and future growth projections. Other key locations in the citywide plan include T.C. Palya Junction, Budigere Junction, Santhe Circle in Yelahanka, Iblur Junction, and Jalahalli Cross.

K.N. Ramesh, Commissioner of the South City Corporation, said the civic body will conduct feasibility studies to assess the need for the skywalks before commissioning the works. He noted that the corporation will also revisit past proposals that were previously shelved and will gather public opinion before starting construction.

The work on the ground across the city is expected to begin in about three months. The project will be executed in phases, with different city corporations handling their respective areas. While the South City Corporation conducts its feasibility studies, the East City Corporation plans to explore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding and private partnerships to fund its portion of the works.