Bengaluru: In a determined effort to address the rising accident rates on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled plans to construct 24 strategically positioned skywalks. These pedestrian-friendly overpasses are slated for completion within a year.
Prompted by the alarming surge in accidents on the expressway, which was opened to the public in March 2023, NHAI’s initiative underscores its commitment to enhancing road safety.
Having identified accident-prone zones along the expressway, NHAI’s comprehensive blueprint is already in progress. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been meticulously crafted, detailing the proposed initiative. The project has a budget of Rs. 46 Crore, indicating NHAI’s earnest approach to this crucial endeavor.
The selected contractors will be tasked with both constructing the skywalks within a year and maintaining them for an extended five-year period.
The upcoming skywalks will span 63 feet in length, with a comfortable width of 3.5 metres. This design prioritises pedestrian comfort and safety, while also offering panoramic views of the expressway. With three metres dedicated solely to pedestrians, these skywalks are set to significantly enhance road safety measures.
This initiative aims to address the historical trend of accidents on the expressway, many of which involve pedestrians navigating the challenging road. These skywalks aim to mitigate this challenge effectively.
Previous measures, such as speed limits of 100kmph and restrictions on certain vehicles, have yielded positive results. However, the introduction of skywalks signifies a new era of road safety, transcending vehicle-centric interventions.