IMA scam fallout: HSR skywalk delayed yet again!

Last year, a skywalk on Outer Ring Road in HSR Layout was inaugurated with much fanfare twice – read all about it here and here. It was supposed to have become operational by the end of last year.

However, the skywalk is jinxed again. The principal sponsor for the flyover was IMA, the ponzi scheme company that is alleged to have defrauded people of Rs 2000 crore. Adonai Shelters was given the tender to build this skywalk by the BBMP. However, Adonai, allegedly run by a relative of former mayor Sampath Raj, was in a joint venture with IMA for 14 skywalks in the city, including the one in HSR Layout. While two skywalks were built in Nagarabhavi and Sampangiramnagar, the others will have to wait due to the IMA scam.

The skywalk planned at the beginning of HSR flyover is the need of the hour as it’s highly difficult even for the most experienced and sprightly to get across the road. As it’s 200 feet wide, it’s not for the faint hearted and there have been several near-misses and minor accidents along this stretch.

However, neither MLA Ramalinga Reddy from BTM constituency nor MLA Sathish Reddy from Bommanahalli area are serious about resolving this long-pending issue. The skywalk case once again exposes the political lethargy in public spaces.