BBMP decides to review skywalks in city and if necessary remove them permanently after realising they are not women friendly

The skywalk like the one near the Sophia High School at High Grounds has made life much easier for pedestrians, but for others is serves to fulfill voyeuristic pleasures, as the design according to BBMP is flawed.

For one, the uncovered gaps in the skywalk above don't act kindly to skirt clad women and girls, and leaves little to the imagination of the many eve teasers who gather below.


Mind the gap: The uncovered gaps in the skywalk above don't act kindly
to skirt clad women and girls and leaves little to the imagination of the
many eve teasers who gather below. Pic/Satish Badiger

The BBMP standing committee has decided to review all skywalks in the city and if need be remove them permanently. "There is a mafia involved in skywalks projects across the city. Hence there has been no planning and result is for all to see," BBMP standing committee chairman C K Ramamurthi said.

Lewd designs
The chairman, along with BBMP officials, visited the spot and noticed gross violations. "The bad design has left 120 points in all at the High Grounds skyway. This is a haven for hooligans who indulge in eve-teasing and pasing lewd comments," Ramamurthi said.u00a0u00a0

Babitha, a professional with private college said, "It is painful to use this skywalk, especially when riffraff stand nearby and pass comments about our outfits. I did not complain fearing more harassment."

The standing committee also took into consideration the fact that school children have to carry huge bags and cross the road using the skyway, which adds to their stress level both physically and mentally.

He aslo informed that the BBMP is under loss because of the advertising mafia, which uses these skywalks to erect hoardings and flex boards.u00a0

Cost to cover up
BBMP sources said that while unscientific skywalks were under the scanner, new ones were being planned after proper consideration. Each of these 'scientifically studied' skywalks along with escalators will cost between Rs 70-75 lakh. BBMP has already undertaken the tendering process and will award contracts for 20 years.

The structure would be built on a Design, Build, Own, Operate and Transfer basis. BBMP hopes to earn Rs 65 lakh annually as part of the revenue sharing deal with theu00a0 contractors.