The absence of a skywalk near Hebbagodi Metro Station on National Highway 44 is forcing commuters to walk up to 3 km to cross the road and reach schools and neighbourhoods on the other side, according to a report by Prajavani. The access problem is affecting older people, students, parents and employees who use the station daily.
The station is used by thousands of people every day, but passengers cannot cross the highway directly after exiting the metro. They have to walk nearly 2 km to reach an alternative crossing near the police station. From there, those travelling towards nearby schools may need to walk another 1.5 to 2 km, the report said.
The available underpass is more than 1 km from the station and has become the main alternative for pedestrians. However, the report described the underpass as foul-smelling, with urine stains and betel-nut markings on its walls. Commuters are reportedly forced to cover their noses while passing through it.
More than seven schools and colleges are located near the station, including National Public School, SFS and D Sales, according to the report. Students travelling from Electronic City, Bommanahalli and Silk Board use the metro, but those carrying heavy school bags face a long walk immediately after getting off the train. Parents accompanying younger children also gather near the road during morning and evening hours.
Residents of Kammasandra and Ananthanagar, where many information technology employees live, have also raised concerns about the lack of a direct pedestrian connection. IT employee Pratima said commuters are required to walk considerable distances because there is no skywalk near the station.
Kammasandra resident Latha said the daily journey was leading commuters to spend between ₹100 and ₹150 on autos. “There is a rush to reach the office in the morning, and in the evening one only wants to get home. We have to walk for kilometres immediately after getting off the metro. If a skywalk is built near the station, our hardship will be resolved,” she was quoted as saying.
Another local resident, Girigauda, said metro passengers and people travelling to the opposite side of the national highway needed either a skywalk or an underpass. He said older people, women and students had no other route available to them.
The residents’ demand is for a pedestrian crossing closer to the metro station, either through a skywalk or an underpass. The report did not specify whether an implementing agency has announced a construction plan or timeline for such a facility.
