Skywalk closed for maintenance

The South Western Railway invested significantly in constructing the skywalk to benefit thousands of commuters travelling by train from nearby cities to work in and around Whitefield.

After delays in the construction, the skywalk was finally opened to the public approximately 40 months ago.

The skywalk is back in the news as the South Western Railway has issued a public notice on October 1, 2024. The notice states that the skywalk connecting the Whitefield (Kadugodi) Metro Station and the BMTC Bus Stand to the Foot Over Bridge at Whitefield Railway Station will be temporarily closed for passenger use starting October 1, 2024, for 10 days. This closure is necessary to facilitate essential maintenance work, including painting, by the Railway authorities. “During this period, passengers are advised to plan alternative routes, as access to the skywalk will be restricted. Bengaluru division, South Western Railway regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers,’’ the press release from the South Western Railway read.

Bangalore Mirror published on August 29, a story titled “Jumping jacks out of the box,” detailing how commuters bypass the foot overbridge by jumping over the compound wall to reach the Whitefield railway or metro station on time. The article also included assurances from South Western Railway Public Relations Officer KN Pranesh regarding the resolution of the compound wall issue.

Meanwhile, railway activists and the public have expressed concern over the suspension of access to the skywalk for 10 days. They demanded the South Western Railway authorities speed up the maintenance works.

Abhishek, a railway activist, said that the closure of the foot-over bridge within a short span for essential maintenance means that the FOB was not constructed properly and SWR (Southern Western Railway) should take action against the contractor. “They should complete the work on priority and open for public use as early as possible,’’ Abhishek said.

Munendra P of the Aam Aadmi Party in Kadugodi stated that the skywalk is a prime example of substandard workmanship. “The skywalk has been a great help for people. With the closure of the skywalk it will be tough for pregnant women for school children,’’ said Munendra.