Five deaths in 20 months as Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway’s Kaniminike black spot awaits foot overbridge

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Local residents allege that although the commencement of work on the proposed FOB had raised hopes, the project has since faced repeated delays. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Even as the foot overbridge (FOB) works near Kaniminike Toll Plaza on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway continues to drag on, a 78-year-old man was killed while crossing the road on November 9, underscoring dangers posed by the accident black spot.

This is the fifth fatality at the spot in the last 20 months. More than eight non-fatal accidents have also been reported during the same period, according to data of the Bengaluru Traffic Police.

On Monday, Nehru, 78, was crossing the road when an unidentified car knocked him down and sped away without stopping. According to the traffic police sources, Nehru suffered severe head injuries and died before he could be taken to hospital.

“The traffic heading towards Bengaluru city was not heavy that day, but speeding may have caused the accident. We are accessing CCTV footage, and the accused is yet to be traced,” an officer said.

Local residents allege that although the commencement of work on the proposed FOB had raised hopes, the project has since faced repeated delays. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) awarded the FOB work last year, but its execution has been delayed, with officials citing land acquisition issues.

“After every accident, there are assurances, but very little meaningful action on the ground,” said Shankar, a local resident.

Mr. Shankar said the fundamental flaw lay in the design of the expressway. “It was built without adequately considering the needs and safety of five to six neighbouring villages, their residents, educational institutions, and the growing residential communities in the region,” he said.

The situation becomes even more dangerous after dark, as streetlights along the expressway and service roads are inadequate.

A senior NHAI official said that work on the FOB was already under way and that the structure would be opened to the public within a week.

Residents pointed out that the black spot is no longer in an isolated location on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The area is rapidly emerging as a residential hub, with new layouts, apartments, educational institutions, and communities coming up around it. More than five villages lie on either side of the black spot, including Kaniminike, Subbarayanapalya, Kabbalammanapalya and Bhadrapura, among others. A private educational institution is already operating at the location.

“The NHAI cannot continue to operate with the mindset that the stretch is merely a high-speed corridor while completely ignoring the thousands of people who live here,” said Sharan, another resident who has been fighting for the ROB for a long time.

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