Bengaluru’s KR Puram junction has seen the quiet opening of a new foot overbridge, commonly referred to as the skywalk. This new structure is designed to seamlessly connect the bustling metro and railway stations at this critical transport node in eastern Bengaluru.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) opted for a low-profile launch of the skywalk, following recommendations from local traffic authorities. According to a senior BMRCL official, the decision to unveil the skywalk without a formal inauguration stemmed from the urgent need to address traffic congestion caused by pedestrian crossings at the junction. The skywalk aims to mitigate delays and enhance safety by reducing the need for traffic stoppages for pedestrian movement.
The skywalk, which spans an area of 226 square metres, was developed on land leased from the South Western Railway (SWR) adjacent to platform number 4 of the KR Puram train station. In exchange, BMRCL provided SWR with a parcel of land acquired from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). This reciprocal land arrangement highlights the collaborative effort between rail and metro authorities to improve transit infrastructure. While the skywalk offers direct access to the KR Pura metro station’s concourse, railway passengers currently face a 100-metre walk through a parking lot to reach the overbridge, with additional stairs required for access. Installation of a lift to facilitate easier access is underway.
Looking ahead, the skywalk is set to play a crucial role in future transit developments. It will integrate with the metro’s Blue Line, expected to link Silk Board Junction to Kempegowda International Airport by 2026. This will further enhance the connectivity between various transport modes at KR Puram. BMRCL’s Chief Public Relations Officer, B L Yashavanth Chavan, emphasised that the new skywalk not only streamlines access between the metro and railway stations but also enhances general public convenience with its integration into the metro station’s unpaid area, complete with lifts and escalators. This infrastructure improvement is part of the broader redevelopment efforts under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aimed at upgrading KR Puram junction’s overall accessibility and functionality.
