The defunct escalator at the pedestrian subway of KR Market has become a glaring symbol of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) inefficiency in utilising taxpayers’ money effectively.
Installed at a substantial cost of Rs 17 crore by Bengaluru Smart City Limited (BSCL), the pedestrian subway, complete with the now non-functional escalator, was handed over to the BBMP over a year ago. For the past 20 months, the escalator has been non-operational, forcing pedestrians, especially senior citizens, to rely on the stairs. This not only defeats the purpose of installing the escalator but also highlights a significant oversight in the maintenance responsibilities transferred to the BBMP. Instead of ensuring functionality, the maintenance staff have merely placed a signboard at the entrance to block access to the escalator, adjacent to the BMTC bus stand.
The necessity of the escalator itself has been called into question, given that it was not essential for accessing either the BMTC Bus Stand or crossing towards Victoria Hospital. This raises concerns about the initial decision by BSCL to allocate substantial funds for an apparently redundant installation. The subsequent neglect by BBMP has only exacerbated the situation, drawing criticism from the public for wasting taxpayers’ money on an unused and neglected asset.
Residents and frequent users of the subway have voiced their dissatisfaction with BBMP officials’ apathy. “It is quite disturbing to see the escalator gathering dust all these days. The escalator should be helpful to senior citizens and women who can’t use the stairs,” lamented a pedestrian. Another commuter echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the utility of the escalator for senior citizens and expressing frustration over the prolonged inactivity. “I do not know what has prevented the BBMP from keeping the escalator in a working condition. It would be useful if the BBMP authorities solve this problem as early as possible because it has been lying idle for more than a year,” she said. The BBMP’s failure to maintain the escalator underscores a broader issue of inefficient public infrastructure management. Such instances not only waste public funds but also diminish the quality of life for residents who rely on these facilities. The inoperative escalator at KR Market serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and better oversight in public infrastructure projects.
The lack of action from the BBMP has also prompted concerns about future projects and the effectiveness of current maintenance protocols. As Bengaluru continues to grow, the demand for reliable and efficient public infrastructure becomes more critical. Ensuring that such investments are maintained and functional is paramount to fostering public trust and enhancing urban living standards. The situation at KR Market’s pedestrian subway is a case study in the mismanagement of public resources. It highlights the urgent need for the BBMP to address maintenance issues promptly and ensure that taxpayer-funded projects deliver their intended benefits. The residents of Bengaluru deserve functional and well-maintained infrastructure, and it is incumbent upon the authorities to meet these expectations.
