Kadugodi Whitefield Pedestrian Overbridge
Clean work – Gulf Today – Short Take Dt 11 October 2014
Clean work
We did It! That was the feeling that joyously kept overflowing in our mind at around 2pm last Saturday.
While boarding on the plane to Bangalore from Abu Dhabi for Eid holidays, I had set some clear plans to act upon my arrival there.
Prior to my departure, I had messaged friends and well-wishers through email and social media about the cleaning of a highly-used pedestrian over bridge built an year ago over the Whitefield Railway crossing.
It was built after a Herculean media and public effort to highlight the difficulties and dangers of people getting killed often while crossing dangerously. Once built, the scenario changed. As any other public utility items, no one cared for it.
A handful of us, including my family and close friends, started the campaign at around 9am.
Not used to such acts, we had no idea how it would progress. However, we were prepared with brooms, garbage bags, gloves, cleaning clothes, bleaching powder, and other necessary items. We kept few brooms here and there on the stretch that anyone interested could join us.
As we progressed, Anand Sivaram, Manager of the Whitefield Railway Station and his staff joined us as also a few members of Kadugodi Police Station.
It was indeed an experience of a special kind.
We received “Thank you”, “Good Job” and also Thumbs up signs from many people who used the bridge during the time we were cleaning.
It was nice to see unknown people readily volunteering and taking the broom from our side and do cleaning work for some time. As a coin has two sides, there were those who passing negative comments too!
At the end of our effort, we landed up with 8 huge garbage bags full of leaves and other carelessly thrown away items on the sky walk. A sad thing was that that people who saw us cleaning and progressing ahead, walked further and threw paper and other waste without any civic concern.
Everyone should contribute to the welfare of the community, wherever we are.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit:
Gulf Today – Short Take Dt 11 October 2014
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For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Thank you – Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign
Thank you – Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign
Dear all,
Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign – Saturday, 4th October 2014
We Did It! Thanks to the support of all those who volunteered, we did a campaign to clean the pedestrian overbridge at Kadugodi, Whitefield Bangalore. Starting at 09:30, it took us 3:30 hours to complete the job. Sincere thanks to Amit Das, Jayanth Bhat, Deepika Jayanth Bhat, Rajashree Menon and Suraj Menon. Of course, a respectable mention and thanks to Sri Anand Sivaram, Manager, Whitefield Railway Station and staff of Kadugodi Police Station.
It was an experience of a special kind. We received “Thank you”, “Good Job” and also Thumbs up sign from many who used the bridge during the time we were cleaning. It was nice to see some unknown people, readily volunteering and took the broom from our side and did cleaning for some time and then continuing to their work. As a coin has two sides, there were those who passing negative comments!.
It is just a beginning only.
Now, we need a few things in place:
1. BBMP support to keep the area neat and clean and fine those who post notices or flex boards on it.
2. If BBMP cannot maintain the bridge, a provision to handover it to the Railways, who are willing to keep the area safe and clean. (item 1 and 2 are my next objective).
3. About 20 dust bins to be kept on each corners of it (if anyone interested to volunteer and provide – welcome – need your help – any volunteers!).
4. During the campaign, I happened to discover a bigger issue issue that is happening in the area, which is not known to many. The toilets of the BMTC bus station are overflowing. BMTC are not listening to Railways requests to plug this problem. It will be an additional item in my agenda to get this hygiene issue resolved.
Temporary arrangement has been done to keep the area neat and clean for the time being on a daily basis. But permanent solution is what I am searching for with the co-operation of BBMP, Railways and BMTC.
Once again, thanks to all of you who supported, blessed us to take up this initiative.
Now, not as a challenge – but as an initiative – Are you interested to take up a similar campaign in your neighbourhood? If so, kindly share this and spread the word around. If a small team comprising few of us could try and do it, I am sure; you can definitely do it in a better way.
Sincere thanks,
Ramesh Menon
Saturday, 4th October 2014, Kadugodi, Whitefield, Bangalore
Who will clean the bridge? – Kadugodi Railway Pedestrian Over Bridge – a HSE issue in the making!
Very soon we will be celebrating the 1st birthday of the Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge.
Each time I visit and walk through it, I remember the efforts done to have it a reality.
Like every other government or public sector initiatives, this too have its own perils and problems now.
First and foremost is the accumulation of waste all along. A day after a rain, it is very difficult to walk across due to the smell of the decomposition of leaves and other materials, including excreta of human or animals!
Lack of adequate lighting facilities are another problem that is dangerous to all, especially women and children who has to use it during late hours.
Add to it, the line up of small time vendors, who are increasing one by one and making it there own!
Who will do the regular maintenance and cleaning of the bridge? may be a question asked between various authorities involved? Is it the BBMP who is responsible? Or is it the Railway authorities? While they continue to discuss and delay before coming on to a decision and action, let us join hands together and do something urgently.
October 2nd (Gandhi Jayanthi) is nearing. Why not include the cleaning of Kadugodi Railway Pedestrian Over Bridge as one your Social Responsibility activity associated with it.
Thanks to Sri Balasubramaniam of Golden Blossom Apartment who pointed out to this HSE issue in our area.
Thanks to Sri Balasubramaniam of Golden Blossom Apartment who pointed out to this HSE issue in our area.
Ramesh Menon
15 September 2014
Kadugodi/Whitefield Railway Pedestrian Over Bridge now a reality – Thank You All
Dear Friends and well wishers,
I am extremely happy to inform you all that the Kadugodi Railway Over Bridge is now a reality. My sincere thanks goes to all those who put in an effort to make a CRY for this important path way. Sincere thanks also goes to the Indian Railway authorities, local administrative staff, politicians and all media and journalists who understood the importance of this pedestrian over bridge at Whitefield Railway Station. We have lost many life and let no death happen again as a result of crossing the railway track.
http://www.clicksandwrites.blogspot.ae/search/label/Kadugodi%20Whitefield%20Pedestrian%20Overbridge
Thank you all those who supported. To all Passionate Photographers group members. This is just one example, what you can do if you have a Passion for Photography and commitment to the safety of the society you live.
God bless,
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
15th November 2013
p.s: Photo Courtesy: Deepika Jayanth Bhat.
And she comments:
Finally the pedestrian fly over construction is completed and before inauguration we have started using it. But my concern is, what is the use of so many approaches made by number of people to get this fly over constructed! Where as a large group of people still prefer to cross the railway tracks by redrisking their lives without any hesitation!!! I pity!!! It hardly tales 4minutes to use the fly over but people find 4minutes walk not necessary! My opinion is to Close all the gates which provides easy for people to cross the tracks directly and make it compulsory to use the fly over!
Caution – Foot over bridge work in progress! – Kadugodi pedestrians over bridge issue update
Caution – Foot over bridge work in progress!
It’s an interesting site to note. At last the foot over bridge work in progress..
A big caution – as announced in the sign clearly. We all do not know how long it will take to finish.
As written wrongly, there are several wrong things associated with this construction project taken up by the authorities. It may continue for a longer time than we all expect.
So, watch your way. There are no barricades, no protection, no safety measures to safeguard public who move around towards the railway and bus station.
I am really amazed by the service standards and approach towards safety of one of the leading government organisation of India!.
With absolutely no lighting at night, I wish this project site does not become another accident spot.
Please Take Care, and also call all those who supported in the cry for this foot over bridge to continue watching and keep our cry loud and clear till it becomes a reality.
Ramesh Menon
06.04.2013
Picture courtesy : Jayanth Bhat
How many more deaths before a pedestrian overbridge
In Times of India, Whitefield edition dated 16 February 2013
How many more deaths we need before a pedestrian over bridge at Kadugodi?
How many more deaths we need before a pedestrian over bridge at Kadugodi?
Every morning and evening we witness very sad scenes at this major point of Whitefield.
The railway crossing connecting Kadugodi population, the Bus stand and Railway Station is causing lot of difficulties for all.
At any given time there will be a goods train with endless carriages, waiting for signal.
It makes life difficult for all age a difficult process to cross over. It is extremely difficult in the morning as one rush to the bus stand to reach office or school. Children and aged have to squeeze down or walk all the way till the end and then cross over.
At night time, there is absolutely no light making it all the more difficult.
Add to these the perils of no light and human and animal feces.
Last month, a series of deaths happened and authorities, as usual came out with interim measures like police posting, and offer of a pedestrian overbridge soon. But, it all died down, and now we do not see any police and the story of the long train blocking the smooth passage of the population continues once again.
All responsible authorities are aware of this, but they find it interesting to pass the blame from one responsible shoulder to another.
This is a serious safety issue that affects the normal movement general public in and around Kadugodi and Whitefield, irrespective of whether they are rich or poor, old or young, man or women. Thus, I request authorities to kindly stop having a callous approach to this citizen problem.
A senior railway official, who responded, informs that:
· No provision was available in the old estimate of road over bridge, to construct foot over bridge at the above location. This might be due to the reason that the old estimate for the road over bridge was prepared long ago and at that time, there might not be so much development at Whitefield and so much requirement to cross the tracks so often by such a huge populace.
· The role of Railways is only to the extent of providing an unhindered path for road vehicles in the interest of closing the level crossing. Land at the level crossing belongs to railways. Providing a separate path for road vehicles is in fact the requirement of road users.
· Railways, though not obliged, have agreed to execute the work as well as to share the cost of work with BBMP with the only interest of closing the level crossing to avoid the recurring expenditure of maintenance of level crossing once for all.
· When there was public demand to construct foot over bridge, as Railways have already constructed road over bridge, it was expected that BBMP would come forward to fund the cost of the foot over bridge.
· Finally, when BBMP has agreed for the same, Railways have invited tender for the same without any delay and opened the same on 27.12.2012, though the funds have not been deposited by BBMP. Invitation of tender without availability of funds, which is normally not done, was done in the instant case only in the interest of expeditious completion of the work.
· The tender, which would otherwise take 2-3 months for finalisation, has been finalised in a record time of 20 days. This is a record of Indian Railways.
· You will be happy to note that a joint inspection has been conducted by the undersigned on 17th Jan 2013 and the work of removal of obstructions has already been commenced. This is also a record of Indian Railways where the work has been taken up on the very next day of award of the tender.
· Two records have already been established as mentioned above and we look forward to establish a third record by completing the work in a record time.
· It was reported by security authorities that either one or both of the deceased were talking over mobile phone during the time of the incident on 02nd Jan 2013. Only God knows the truth.
· I want you to understand that in the entire episode, there was no apathy, there were no petty egos and there was no inability to act on the part of Railways. You are a better Judge to know where the delay took place. Please go into facts in detail before blaming any particular authority.
· Railways have not received the funds for the above work from BBMP till date and we are continuously chasing for the same. At the same time, we are taking care to see that the agency does not stop the work, though it cannot get payment of a single rupee till the fund is deposited with Railways.
· As a concerned citizen, you may like to do something about this.
And we as citizen who are affected continue with our following plea to BBMP and Railway as below:
· One helpful proactive action from Railways will be to move the parked goods wagons by 50 metres towards Chennai side of tracks by a suitable arrangement, thereby clearing the obstruction of path at the level crossing. Wagons parked overnight/long hours hinders the crossing of tracks with view of both sides being blocked for pedestrians. Aged persons/children/women are often found to be crawling beneath the parked wagons to cross to the other sides and others climb over the wagons risking their lives. Also, the wagons parked beyond the crossing necessitates the people to walk on the tracks and there could be oversight/negligence when crossing resulting in loss of previous lives.
· The two sides where one needs to cross are also not easy as there is hardly any space between the wagons and the bund, particularly for so many people who arrive by buses to move. Also there is gutter water/filth everywhere. There is no lighting too any where resulting in poor vision for any one. Considering the safety of women, which is attracting highest attention of Government, any proactive action to provide lights in the vicinity of crossing will be highly appreciated.
· A concrete pathway which had existed earlier before the closure of the railway crossing enabled people to cross faster and also safely.
· A concrete pathway which had existed earlier before the closure of the railway crossing enabled people to cross faster and also safely.
· Please post security personal till the over-bridge is completed.
· Lighting in that area.
· Minor adjustments in parking of the long goods train so that people will get sufficient gap to cross.
· We understand that many of the above things do not come under the responsibility of railways. However, the public who are forced to cross the tracks do not have any alternative. The narrow road over bridge is very scary especially for a women carrying small kids.
· Could this be done by Railway authorities as an interim measure besides the above suggestion of moving the wagons a little beyond.
We are also surprised to know following things:
· There are no specifications for the width of road over bridge.
· There is no process for correction of old plan based on the present needs. The actual work of this over-bridge happened recently.
· No pedestrian convenience required to be considered.
· 4. After the construction of this over bridge, seeing the practicality, railway engineers should have avoided digging the road between the tracks for pedestrians.
· We all appreciate Railways good intention and any sort of help from Railways to minimise the problem, until BBMP acts in the matter.
· At the same time, we urge BBMP to act without any delay in progressing the work before we hear of another tragedy.
I also seek support of all resident associations, corporate organizations and their staff and political parties, irrespective of any difference in ideologies to support in this cry for the need of a safe system to cross over.
Otherwise, for residents of Kadugodi, the way to bus stand is always going to be down and under.
Ramesh Menon
Kadugodi.
21 January 2013
For residents of Kadugodi – the way to bus stand is still down and under
It is a very sad scene each time I pass by this major point of Whitefield. The railway crossing connecting Kadugodi population and the Bus stand is causing lot of difficulties for all. At any given time there will be a goods train waiting, with endless carriages, waiting for signal. It makes life difficult for all age a difficult process to cross over. It is extremely difficult in the morning as one rush to the bus stand to reach office or school. Children and aged have to squeeze down or walk all the way till the end and then cross over. At night time, there is absolutely no light making it all the more difficult.
Like the endless carriages parked, the story continues for Kadugodi residents……
Authorities have so far kept a golden silence on the issue of providing an easy passage for the users of the bus station or even the railway station. It is one of the major traffic point connecting residents from various point of Kadugodi and nearby villages and residential areas to the city.
Who cares, if common man suffers? The city is one of the highest tax collecting and revenue generating in India. But, when it comes to necessary infrastructure, it is way behind…
Authorities, please consider the difficulties of Kadugodi residents…. At least, please show kindness to instruct the Railway authorities and the Engine drivers to park the trains before the railway gate, if the possibility of building a bridge is an impossible task by you.
Ramesh Menon
30 August 2012
Kadugodi Whitefield Overbridge – This is how we cross it – A shame for modern Bangalore
What the Kadugodi, Whitfield residents have to say on this:
The plight of people is well known. Every resident of kadugodi is experiencing the difficulty in crossing the railway line. I have taken up through media.
Mr. Balasubramaniam
Its more painful for sick , old people who want to cross the railway track when so many goods trains are parked ( not sure if it is deliberately) just near the drop gates.. I cross the tracks daily and am grieved too , to see the condition of the people… This is absolutely callous behaviour of the authorities.. If they cant construct a walk over bridge , they can at least direct the drivers to park the trains in such a way that it does not bother the citizens more..
Mr. Shuja Wani
The people travelling from/to Kadugodi bus station are facing insurmountable difficulties. Parking of two goods trains across the railway gate, fencing the entry gate from Kadugodi end, digging of drain restricting people crossing over, darkness in the night are putting people to risk of life and property while crossing the railway gate.
Problem is greater for women carrying children, old/handicapped/sick people and those carrying luggage. This needs to be addressed quickly by railways by providing a foot over bridge. After all people live on this side of railway gate while the bus station is placed at the other end which has no habitation at all. Every one will agree that it is impractical for pedestrians to cross over by using the fly over, which has become dangerous even for motorists due to darkness and displaced road dividers.
Secondly, BMTC could be approched to extend the bus routes, more particularly volvos, to this side of railway gate. There are several buildings and residential complexes coming up on this side and hence we could have a collective efforts. The corporator and Legislator/ MP of this area should help us in this regard. Could we build a movement?
Problem is greater for women carrying children, old/handicapped/sick people and those carrying luggage. This needs to be addressed quickly by railways by providing a foot over bridge. After all people live on this side of railway gate while the bus station is placed at the other end which has no habitation at all. Every one will agree that it is impractical for pedestrians to cross over by using the fly over, which has become dangerous even for motorists due to darkness and displaced road dividers.
Secondly, BMTC could be approched to extend the bus routes, more particularly volvos, to this side of railway gate. There are several buildings and residential complexes coming up on this side and hence we could have a collective efforts. The corporator and Legislator/ MP of this area should help us in this regard. Could we build a movement?
Mr. Balasubramaniam
I think the priority should be for railway over bridge which affects every one and critical.
Ajiyos Yohannan
I support the cause for pedestrian bridge next to the flyover.
Mr. Raghuram Ch
We can perhaps submit a memorandum to the Whitefield Railway Station Master with an agreement from the Legislator……If someone has any contacts with the Railway Ministry or with Ms. Mamata Banerjee (now that she is the CM of WB), then that should also be looked at.
Mr. Abhishek Pakrashi
This Crossing is waiting for a tragedy – wish the railway / authorities open their eyes before it is too late
This Crossing is waiting for a tragedy – wish the railway / authorities open their eyes before it is too late
(in picture showing a lady carrying provisions trying to find her way between stopped goods train at Whitefield railway crossing, Bangalore)
I have written here earlier too about the need for a pedestrian overbridge at the Whitefield railway crossing. It is labelled clearly by the railway authorities that “Trespassing is prohibited”. But it looks like there ends there (Railway’s) responsibility. When they built the flyover and closed this railway gate permanently, they never thought options for the public to:
– reach the railway station from the bus station side conveniently – other than to go over the 1 kms approximately lengthy bridge and come down and then reach across
– to install necessary street light for public
– to consider the huge number of public who rely that route mainly to reach the bus station, railway station from both sides and the ashram and market and shopping area and residential area situated on one side of the gate.
– never ever thought about the elderly or rather even young who has to go across two or even three waiting trains, which can move any time when the pass underneath them
– or even never ever thought about the public who has to go past the railway track which is often made filthy by the excretory output from the passing train
The sad thing is that this case is made aware to the legislator, railway authorities, electricity board, bus terminal authorities and even police. It looks like someone somewhere is competing with the other as to who will make the first step to solve this issue.
The day is not too far, when we will get to hear a tragedy of someone getting run over by a starting train, which has stopped when they tried to move down under.
I really pity everyone for this plight, especially the elders and sick, when even young find it difficult to cross over.
Hope this post and the photo and the video in the attached link (as I cannot post videos here) open the eyes of general public who uses this route and the authorities to find immediate solution to resolve this issue and build a flyover to have safe journey across, and install necesary and sufficient lighting on both sides.
I tried my best efforts to alert all concerned about this danger several times, and look forward to added assistance from Praja members and general public to resolve this.