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• The state government has finally woken up to the pedestrians’ woes on Tumkur Road (NH4) in the wake of accidents and subsequent protests by local residents.After visiting the stretch from Jalahalli Cross to Peenya Eighth Mile — regarded as the most dangerous zone for pedestrians — home and transport minister R Ashoka declared that four underpasses for pedestrians would be built to avoid accidents.The underpasses would be built at Jalahalli Cross, Dasarahalli bus stop, Peenya Eighth Mile and Widia Junction. The work would be taken up in coordination with the BBMP, BMRCL and National Highway Authorities of India(NHAI).

• Ashoka said the plan would be implemented within a year. He said if the work would be finished in four months if the requisite permissions are given. He visited all the junctions and directed officials to start work as soon as possible.The main focus was Jalahalli Cross, where an estimated 5lakh people will cross the road every day once Namma Metro becomes operational.From Jalahalli Cross to Widia Junction (1.5km stretch), 10 lakh to 15 lakh people use the road every day as the area is one of the biggest hubs of small-scale industries. Owing to absence of an underpasses, people have no option but to cross NH4 itself, risking their life. “Every month, at least three people die on this stretch. Every week agitation takes place. There was a death of a school kid a couple of months ago, after which the entire stretch turned into a chaotic zone as the protest turned violent,” Ashoka pointed out.

• Local MLA Muniraju, BBMP mayor R Shardamma, BMRCL MD N Sivasailam, BBMP commissioner MK Shankarlinge Gowda and officials from NHAI were present during Wednesday’s inspection. They were called so that they could give their consent to build the underpasses. They said they would give the clearances and work together in this regard.

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