Bengaluru: An eight-kilometre stretch of the upcoming Blue Line Metro along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) is set to feature elevated pedestrian walkways beneath the metro viaduct, marking a first-of-its-kind urban design initiative in the city. The proposal, aimed at improving last-mile connectivity for thousands of office-goers, received approval from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) at its meeting held on Tuesday.

A first-of-its-kind walkability project

The proposed elevated walkways are envisioned as a solution to long-standing pedestrian access issues along the ORR, one of Bengaluru’s busiest employment corridors. The stretch houses several major tech parks and office campuses that together employ an estimated 6 to 8 lakh people. Despite this, walkability in the area has remained poor due to narrow footpaths, frequent encroachments and heavy traffic.

According to the concept plan placed before the GBA, the elevated walkway will run under the metro viaduct and provide safe, direct access to tech parks and office complexes located between metro stations. This is expected to significantly ease daily commutes for employees who currently struggle with unsafe walking conditions.

Funding yet to be finalised

While the GBA has cleared the concept, a key decision on funding remains pending. The responsibility of working out the financial model has been left to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) and the Outer Ring Road Companies Association (ORRCA).

Officials familiar with the discussions said multiple funding options are being explored, including a cost-sharing model between BMRCL and private companies located along the ORR. However, no formal commitment has been made so far.

An old idea revisited

Interestingly, the idea of an elevated pedestrian corridor along the ORR is not entirely new. During the design stage of the Blue Line Metro, stakeholders had approached BMRCL with a proposal to construct foundations for two additional small pillars alongside each metro pillar. These were intended to support a future skywalk or elevated walkway.

The proposal was aimed at addressing pedestrian safety and access issues well in advance, given the scale of employment along the ORR. However, the idea did not move beyond the planning stage at the time.

MLA backs elevated walkway

The renewed push for the project has also received political backing. In a letter addressed to the GBA and BMRCL, Mahadevapura MLA Manjula Aravind Limbavali formally sought the construction of an elevated walkway, particularly along the stretch between Iblur and Mahadevapura.

Since the proposed project area falls within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits, approval from the GBA was mandatory. With that clearance now in place, stakeholders believe the project has a stronger chance of moving forward.

Benefits for tech parks and commuters

Members of citizen groups and task forces working on ORR infrastructure have welcomed the move. Clement Jayakumar, a member of the Mahadevapura Task Force, said the project was conceptualised primarily to improve access to metro stations.

“There are about 30,000 people working in Cessna Business Park, but the nearest metro station is at a considerable distance. A skywalk under the metro viaduct connecting the station directly to the tech park will help commuters avoid navigating narrow, encroached and unsafe footpaths,” he said.

Jayakumar added that Eco Space, located around 500 metres from the nearest metro station, would also benefit significantly once the elevated walkway is built.

Cost-sharing model suggested

Jayakumar urged BMRCL to bear a portion of the project cost, given that the walkway would enhance metro ridership by improving last-mile connectivity. He suggested that tech companies and developers could fund the remaining portion and also provide land wherever required for installing the skywalk structure.

Such a public–private partnership model, he said, could ensure quicker execution while reducing the financial burden on government agencies.

ORRCA’s position

Manas Das, president of the Outer Ring Road Companies Association, said the association itself does not have a dedicated revenue source to fund large infrastructure projects. However, he acknowledged that some developers and companies along the ORR have expressed willingness to contribute financially.

“It’s a work in progress. We are still discussing how best this can be taken forward,” Das said, indicating that stakeholder consultations are ongoing.

Awaiting BMRCL’s response

BMRCL Managing Director J Ravishankar did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment on the project, including questions on funding, timelines and integration with the Blue Line Metro construction.

Urban planners note that if implemented well, the elevated walkway could serve as a model for other high-density employment corridors in Bengaluru.

Conclusion

The proposed elevated walkways under the ORR Blue Line Metro viaduct signal a significant shift towards pedestrian-centric infrastructure in Bengaluru. While funding and execution details are yet to be finalised, the project has the potential to transform last-mile connectivity for lakhs of commuters and improve overall urban mobility along one of the city’s most congested corridors.