Skywalk now 'hellwalk': Incomplete FoB turns into haven for anti-social activities

Residents and those frequenting the St. Joseph’s Church at Briand Square, Chamrajpet, have expressed concern over the incomplete skywalk - Foot Over Bridge (FOB) in the area that has allegedly become a haven for anti-social activities. The said skywalk is on Sultan Road, where a part of the Mysuru Road flyover descends towards Chamrajpet. The work, according to residents, is proceeding at a snail’s pace. “The BBMP started the work around five years ago, and has not finished it yet,” claimed Bernard, who frequently visits the area. Post eight o’clock in the night, the skywalk becomes a hotspot for alcoholics, according to residents. A check by News Trail found empty alcohol bottles, cigarette butts and surprisingly, firecracker residue.

The elevators which were installed already, have been collecting dust. A scaffold installed on the skywalk’s entrance near the church is seemingly discouraging walkers from using the FOB to cross the road. The FOB is closed on the other side, contrary to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) claim of it being closed only towards the down ramp installed for St. Theresa’s Degree College for Women students. “We have raised the issue of safety and the slow pace of the Foot over Bridge project both with the BBMP and higher authorities.

They have assured us that it will be looked into,” said a spokesperson from the college. Officials from BBMP admitted that the work has taken much longer than it was supposed to. “The FoB is ready for use, but for the elevators to work, it may take two months,” said a BBMP official. With regards to the scaffold being installed, the official ensured that it will be looked into. “A spot inspection of the FoB will be done immediately,” the official added.