Bareilly's Rs 10.5 Crore Skywalk Remains Unused as BMC Floats Fifth Tender
In a significant development, the Bareilly Municipal Corporation has issued a tender for the fifth time to operate the Rs 10.5 crore skywalk, also known as a foot overbridge, constructed in the Civil Lines area under the Smart City initiative. Officials confirmed this move on Saturday, highlighting ongoing challenges in making the infrastructure functional.
Repeated Tender Failures and Official Statements
Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Kumar Maurya provided insights into the situation, stating, "Four tenders had been issued earlier, but no eligible plan was tabled by any company. Contractors only focused on advertisements without presenting a proper plan to make it operational. We have now floated a new tender, and hopefully, it will become functional soon." This statement underscores the persistent issues in securing a viable operational plan for the skywalk.
Construction Timeline and Current Status
The construction of this foot overbridge commenced in 2020 and was completed in 2023. Despite this, the structure has remained entirely unused since its completion. As a result, traffic congestion beneath the bridge continues to cause significant inconvenience to daily commuters, exacerbating urban mobility challenges in the area.
Resident Criticism and Public Outcry
Local residents have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the delay. Shyam Kumar Sharma, a resident, voiced his frustration, saying, "This is an utter waste of taxpayers' money. The skywalk was constructed for Rs 10.5 crore, and the fact that it is still not operational speaks volumes about the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities." This sentiment reflects broader public concern over the inefficient use of public funds.
Technical and Facility Issues Cited
BMC officials have pointed to technical hurdles, claiming that electricity cannot be installed on the structure "as it is made entirely of iron." Additionally, residents have highlighted the absence of basic amenities. Ahmed Husain, another resident, noted, "The skywalk lacks basic facilities like escalators. Without lifts or escalators, how can elderly people use it? It is nothing but a waste of money." These issues raise questions about the design and planning of the project.
The repeated tendering process and ongoing delays underscore the complexities in implementing urban infrastructure projects under the Smart City framework, with this case serving as a notable example of operational hurdles and public accountability concerns.
