NHAI begins work on long-delayed FOB after pedestrian deaths on Bengaluru–Mysuru highway

After more than four pedestrian deaths and several non-fatal accidents in 16 months, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finally begun work to fix the black spot near the Kaniminike Toll Plaza on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway.

The black spot, spanning about 100 to 150 metres, is located about 600 metres from the Kaniminike Toll Plaza. More than 1,000 students use this stretch every day, as a private university is located about 100 metres from the black spot.

Paying guest accommodations

Sameer, a student at the university, explained that several paying guest accommodations are located on the other side of the highway, forcing many students to cross it at the black spot in the absence of a foot overbridge (FOB), putting their lives at risk. Meanwhile, work on constructing an FOB was taken up nearly 22 months ago but remained unfinished. The Hindu had recently reported about the issue.

“Many of us have witnessed deaths on this stretch, and for the next few days, we would dread crossing it. Seeing the work begin is a big relief,” he said.

Although pedestrians can use the Kaniminike Toll Plaza to cross the highway safely, they rarely take that route because doing so requires them to walk an additional kilometre.

According to the Bengaluru Traffic Police data, about four people have died at the black spot since January 2025, and more than 10 non-fatal accidents have been reported.

Shashank S., a local resident, said another non-fatal accident occurred earlier this week.

To be completed in 10 days

The contractor executing the work told The Hindu that the design had to be changed and slightly skewed after property owners raised concerns about the structure abutting their sites, causing a delay.

“It was challenging to change the structural design. We have assembled the substructures elsewhere and brought them to the location. Now, superstructure construction is underway,” he said.

The contractor assured that the work would be completed within a week and that the FOB could be opened to pedestrians within the next 10 days. He said land issues and exorbitant steel prices had forced them to postpone the work, which was supposed to resume in August.

After multiple complaints

The FOB remained unfinished for more than 22 months, forcing citizens to follow up regularly through letters. “Even after sending the letter, we had to follow up multiple times and push them to act. Now, the contractor is expediting the work,” Mr. Shashank said.

According to NHAI sources, land issues were the primary reason for the prolonged delay in executing the project.