BENGALURU: If all goes according to plan, Shivajinagar will soon become a multi-modal transport hub with numerous facilities for passengers.
As part of a project being executed by Bengaluru Smart City Limited (BSCL), the pedestrian subway at Shivajinagar bus station is being revamped. The terminus will also be equipped with other facilities, including a waiting lounge for women passengers and senior citizens, toilets for all genders, cubicles for breastfeeding mothers and an information kiosk. Work is expected to be completed by February 2021.
Artist's impression of Shivajinagar subway
Shivajinagar is the second busiest bus terminus in the city after Kempegowda bus station in Majestic. BMRCL is constructing an underground station at the BBMP playground next to the bus station. Shivajinagar Metro station, which is part of the Gottigere-Nagawara corridor, is likely to be operational by 2024.
In 2011, BMTC had constructed the subway at a cost of Rs 8 crore with multiple exit and entry points at Shivajinagar bus station (platform 1 to 12), Meenakshi Koil Street, Bowring Hospital and Russell Market. It was meant to help passengers reach the platforms from outside without having to cross busy roads. However, it became unusable due to poor maintenance and anti-social elements and was locked.
The existing 95.9-metre subway will also be connected to the upcoming Metro station. It will have proper ventilation, lighting, fire safety equipment and signage. BSCL officials said they are planning to construct toilets for men, women, transgender people and differently abled passengers. This may be the first time that unisex toilets are being established in the city.
“We are planning an integrated mobility hub in Shivajinagar. We are providing accessibility for seamless and efficient movement of people at the terminus. Pedestrian safety will be ensured through well designed safety intersections and a revamped subway. User experience will be enhanced through waiting lounges, mother care facilities and toilets,” said a BSCL official.