Cantonment Road widens for motorists, not pedestrians

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: The road that leads to Bengaluru Cantonment railway station has been widened, and was reportedly thrown open to the public at the end of January.

Despite motorists and traffic cops reporting free flow of vehicles, pedestrians complain that a lack of Foot over bridge has caused them difficulties in navigating.

The oldest railway station in the city is reportedly going through a Rs. 480 crore overhaul – which includes construction of 4 Foot over bridges and introduction of new platforms.

The South Western Railways hope to see an increased footfall to 70,000.

“The widening of the road has helped in smooth flow of traffic,” said Anand, a traffic cop deployed near the Prince of Wales road.

“The clear lane division has helped give motorists a clear way towards their destinations. Traffic during peak hours, which moves at a snail’s pace is now moving smoothly,” he claimed.

The redevelopment of the station also meant the old road towards the station was dug and used as a de-facto parking lot.

Sulthan, an auto rider, said, “It’s difficult for us to drop senior citizens and those with heavy luggage to drop them right at the station.”

Vehicles coming from Jayamahal find it difficult to join the lanes to either Shivaji Nagar or towards Pottery Town.

“This has caused a traffic snarl, considering the long detour one needs to take to reach Vasanth Nagar,” ended A motorist, who wanted to remain anonymous, claimed that the Railways need to fast-pace the work of an FOB.

“A lot of people, including students and passengers, find it difficult to cross the road either towards the station or the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus stop,” they said, adding that heavy duty vehicles also take the road.

Students have also voiced against the lack of FOBs in the new road, Anjali a second year student, regularly alights at Cantonment bus stop said, “Crossing towards my college was always a challenge. At least the authorities should’ve considered a speed-breaker, if not an FOB,” she said.

Anushka, another student, claimed that the nowdefunct FOB is of no help. “We have to walk 500 metres twice with that bridge, crossing the new road is difficult.” She concluded.

The Project Manager of the Rail Land Development Authority didn't respond to calls and messages from News Trail.