City rly, Metro stations to get skywalk link

BENGALURU: Finally, the integration issue between Kempe Gowda Metro station and the Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna railway station is set to be redressed.The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had recently sent the city railway division a proposal to build a covered skywalk between the two stations. Railways has now decided to clear the proposal paving way for connectivity between the two bustling stations. Presently, passengers dash across the Gubbi Thodappa Road to cross over from either side braving incoming vehicles. The only other option is to alight at the next Metro station (City Railway station) and enter the railway station from Platform 10 after walking for 400 metres and scaling a steep staircase.

BMRCL has now proposed a covered skywalk that will lead right from the entrance of Kempe Gowda Metro station to the recently built Third Entry of the railway station located bang across it. Divisional Railway Manager, Bangalore Railway Division R S Saxena said, “We have studied the proposal and design submitted by it and are okay with it. We will be sending our consent within ten days.”
Specifying details, Senior Divisional Engineer, Co-ordination, Railways, R K Singh said, “The skywalk that will go above the Gubbi Thodappa Road will of 54 metres length. It will have a staircase and an elevator on both sides.”

Railways will provide booking counters on the Third entry side so that people can easily buy the tickets here and head to Platform One, he added. “The Foot Over Bridge will ensure connectivity between the two public transportation modes,” he said.BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola said the skywalk would cost nearly `5 crore. “We are in talks with Railways and the BBMP since we are crossing their road. As soon as we get a principle approval from Railways, we can chalk out minute details.”