9 months on, Bengaluru's KR Market escalator gathers dust

BENGALURU: The escalator installed in the pedestrian subway at KR Market has been inactive for nine months since it was inaugurated, and officials claim it will be operational in less than a week.
It is a common sight in Bengaluru to see many escalators and elevators not functioning in subways and footbridges, defeating their very purpose. It is the same case at KR Market subway as the escalator installed, near the entry/exit point of the busy bus stand, is gathering not only dust but also plastic waste.
Officials from Bengaluru Smart City Limited (BenSCL), which built the structure, claimed the escalator was in working condition when they handed over the subway to BBMP for maintenance. But BBMP officials said there is a technical issue and the escalator will be up and running in three days.
Incidentally, there is only one escalator at the subway with six entry/exit points. A homeguard manning the entry/exit point at KR Market bus stand said elderly women somehow manage to use the stairs notwithstanding the strain they have to undergo.
Rakesh Singh, additional chief secretary of urban development and administrator, BBMP, said he was unaware of the issue. “I have directed the responsible authority get it resolved within 10 days.”
Susheelamma, joint managing director, BenSCL, said they weren’t aware of the escalator not in working condition when the subway was handed over to BBMP after it was completed. She assured it would be functional within three days. BBMP executive engineer Jayasimha confirmed about the technical issue and said the escalator will be ready within two-three days.
Why the subway
The 180-metre-long pedestrian underpass was constructed in the heart of KR Market at a cost of Rs 21.6 crore under the Smart City Project, an initiative to modernize Bengaluru. The objective was to help reduce footfall on roads near KR Market and give more space to vehicles to reduce congestion. BenSCL handed over the subway to BBMP (road infrastructure) department for maintenance in September last year.
The subway has six entry/exit points towards Kalasipalya Main Road, KR Road, Victoria Hospital, KR Market, Mysuru Road and Avenue Road. It is equipped with 32 CCTV cameras. Staff said people can use it from 6am to 10pm.
Asked why only one escalator has been provided, BenSCL officials cited restrictive parameters at other entrances like land acquisition and existing entrance structures being below the ground level.