Pedestrian pathway on Hosur Road lies in precarious condition

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Over the past few months, the pedestrian pathway along Hosur Road has turned into a significant safety concern. The ongoing construction of the Bengaluru Metro's Phase 2 yellow line has resulted in multiple disruptions in the pathway, including a large hole leading directly to the stormwater drain.

Pedestrians are forced to walk on the road, which is extremely dangerous given the heavy traffic. A pedestrian who stays in a street nearby said, “I am deeply concerned about the state of this pathway. The broken pathway and the hole leading to the stormwater drain are major safety hazards. I am forced to walk on the road, which is extremely dangerous given the heavy traffic.”

She also added that she is not the only pedestrian who is concerned about this issue. A metro construction worker who wished to remain anonymous said, “I have seen several near-accidents involving pedestrians here during my breaks.”

He recounted an incident where he witnessed an elderly woman narrowly escaping an overspeeding car through a narrow gap. Adding to reports, the pedestrian pathway is being used by riders to skip traffic.

This makes the pathway completely inaccessible to pedestrians. When riders use the pedestrian pathway, they put pedestrians at risk of being hit. In addition, the metro construction has also taken over some parts of the sidewalk, making the bus stop completely inaccessible.

There is no bus stop and just a board that says bus stop. The lack of a proper bus stop also poses a safety hazard to passengers. They are forced to stand on the road while waiting for the bus, which is extremely dangerous.

The authorities could also increase the presence of traffic police in the area, especially during peak hours, to deter riders from using the pathway.