Petition: Make Bengaluru’s Skywalks Accessible for All!

At the age of six, I was involved in a road accident. The experience was life-changing, leaving me with a deep understanding of the dangers pedestrians face every day. That day made me realize how vulnerable we are on the streets, especially when safe alternatives, like skywalks, are inaccessible. Unfortunately, many of Bengaluru’s skywalks still lack elevators and escalators, forcing those who need them most—seniors, people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and children like I was—to choose the dangerous option of crossing busy, hazardous roads instead.

 

 

This issue isn’t just personal—it affects thousands of Bengaluru residents daily. Over 30% of Bengaluru’s pedestrians are opting to cross unsafe roads directly because they cannot access skywalks (source: BMTC 2023 pedestrian survey). This not only contributes to traffic congestion but, more tragically, it increases the risk of road accidents. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), pedestrian accidents in Bengaluru have risen by 12% over the past five years. These figures are more than just numbers; they represent lives lost or forever changed by accidents that could have been prevented with accessible infrastructure.

Elevators and escalators are not just conveniences—they are life-saving necessities. By installing these in key skywalks across the city, we would not only make roads safer but ensure that every citizen, regardless of age or ability, can move freely and safely. This would reduce accidents, ease traffic, and create a city that genuinely cares for its people. Bengaluru has the potential to lead in creating a smart, inclusive city, just as cities like Tokyo and Barcelona have done, where accessible infrastructure has helped drastically lower pedestrian accident rates.

Now is the time for action. Bengaluru deserves better, and we all have a role to play in making this happen. I urge the Bengaluru Municipal Authorities to prioritize the installation of elevators and escalators in all skywalks across the city. Let’s create a city where no one feels unsafe walking the streets—where everyone can confidently use the skywalks, knowing they’re built for every person.

 

Please sign this petition today. Your voice can help make Bengaluru’s streets safer, smarter, and more inclusive for all of us. Together, we can make sure that no one is left behind, that no child has to fear crossing the street, and that Bengaluru can truly be a city where everyone can walk with dignity and safety.

 

Sign this petition now to support accessible and safe skywalks in Bengaluru. Let’s stand together for a safer, more inclusive future for all our residents.