To The Executive Engineer, Road Infrastructure, and Engineer-in-Chief BBMP
Dear Sirs:
*Subject: Repurposing Unused Subways for Heritage and Community Engagement*
We propose a creative solution to repurpose the unused, forgotten, and redundant subways across Bangalore. This initiative aims to optimize expensive infrastructure, increase knowledge and love for the city, and foster community engagement.
*Background:*
Bangalore's subways have been plagued by neglect, poor maintenance, and lack of utility. Despite being built to facilitate pedestrian movement, many subways have become dens for anti-social elements, dumping grounds, and are often filthy and smelly (TOI, 2020; Deccan Herald, 2020). It's time to reimagine these spaces.
*Objectives:*
1. *Heritage Preservation:* Showcase Bangalore's rich cultural heritage through photographs, paintings, and QR codes linking to prominent landmarks.
2. *Community Engagement:* Provide a platform for students, groups, and artists to display their work, promoting creativity and civic pride.
3. *Tourism Development:* Enhance guided walks and tourism experiences by utilizing subways as information hubs.
*Pilot Project: Chalukya Subways*
We recommend starting with the two subways at Chalukya, which have remained unused for 12 years. This location is ideal due to its proximity to schools, Basava Samithi Trust, Raj Bhavan, and the planetarium.
*Key Features:*
1. *Improved Signage and Lighting:* Enhance visibility and safety.
2. *Access Improvements:* Ensure easy entry and exit points.
3. *Heritage Displays:* Showcase Bangalore's iconic landmarks, historical events, and cultural significance.
4. *QR Codes:* Provide additional information and interactive experiences.
5. *Community Showcase:* Allocate space for students, groups, and artists to display their work.
*Benefits:*
1. Optimizes Unused Infrastructure
2. Fosters Community Engagement and Civic Pride
3. Enhances Tourism Experiences
4. Promotes Heritage Preservation
5. Encourages Creativity and Innovation
*Implementation:*
1. Collaborate with local architects, artists, and community groups to reimagine and revitalize the subways.
2. Improve signage, lighting, and access.
3. Install heritage displays and QR codes.
4. Allocate space for community showcases.
*Conclusion:*
We believe this project requires minimal investment and can have a significant impact on the city's heritage and community engagement.
We look forward to discussing this initiative further.
Sincerely,
Priya Chetty-Rajagopal
:options:
Links:
- Bangalore Mirror: "Underground stink ways" (2017)
- The Hindu: "Why is our money stuck in subways?" (2017)
- Bangalore Mirror: "Pedestrians aim for skies" (2020)
- The Hindu: "Pedestrian subways in Bengaluru filthy, smelly and unsafe" (2020)
- Deccan Herald: "Bengaluru: Subways, BBMP's No. 1 shame" (2020)
- Times of India: "Bengaluru: 7 CBD subways turn dens for anti-social elements, dumps" (2020)
Background Note :
Looking at a research-backed proposal for repurposing Bangalore’s unused subways (like the Palace Road subway) into vibrant community spaces that celebrate heritage, art, and local culture. This plan integrates urban design best practices, cost-effective strategies, and community-driven initiatives:
---
**1. The Problem: Wasted Potential of Unused Subways**
- **Current State**: Subways like Palace Road are neglected, unsafe, and contribute to urban blight. They often become dumping grounds or shelters for the homeless, deterring pedestrians.
- **Missed Opportunities**: These spaces could instead foster community interaction, promote heritage, and reduce traffic congestion by encouraging pedestrian use.
- **Safety Concerns**: Poor lighting, structural decay, and lack of maintenance make them hazardous.
---
**2. Global Inspirations for Subway Repurposing**
- **Seoul’s Underground Cultural Spaces**: Converted subways into art galleries and cafés ([Case Study](https://www.urbandesignlab.eu/seouls-underground-cultural-space)).
- **London’s Leake Street Tunnel**: A legal graffiti zone that became a tourist attraction ([Leake Street](https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/287683-leake-street-arches)).
- **New York’s Lowline Lab**: An underground park using solar technology ([Lowline](https://www.lowline.org)).
---
**3. Creative Ideas for Bangalore’s Subways**
#### **A. Heritage & Art-Driven Concepts**
1. **Heritage Galleries**
- Install panels depicting Bangalore’s history (e.g., Kempegowda’s legacy, Cantonment era) using murals, AR/QR codes, and archival photos.
- Partner with institutions like the **Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)** for content.
2. **Community Art Zones**
- Invite local artists (e.g., **St+art India**) to create murals celebrating Karnataka’s culture (folk art, Tipu Sultan, Bengaluru’s tech evolution).
- Use durable, weather-resistant materials like ceramic tiles or epoxy coatings.
3. **Storytelling Walks**
- Embed oral history recordings (via Bluetooth beacons) sharing memories of old Bangaloreans.
**B. Functional & Community Spaces**
4. **Pop-Up Markets**
- Modular stalls for artisans, organic farmers, or book exchanges (e.g., **Mumbai’s Chor Bazaar** model).
5. **Mini Libraries/Learning Hubs**
- Install free book-sharing shelves or digital kiosks with e-learning resources (partner with NGOs like **Pratham Books**).
6. **Green Subways**
- Vertical gardens, air-purifying plants, and solar-powered lighting to improve air quality and aesthetics ([Green Walls Guide](https://www.gbci.org/advancing-green-building/vertical-gardens)).
**C. Youth-Centric Innovations**
7. **Gaming/Interactive Zones**
- Augmented reality games tied to Bangalore’s history (e.g., Kempegowda’s quests) or chess tables for community play.
8. **Performance Spaces**
- Weekly music/dance performances by local schools or artists (like **Bangalore Habba**).
---
**4. Cost-Effective Strategies & Funding**
- **CSR Partnerships**:
- Tech firms (Infosys, Wipro) could sponsor lighting/greenery under CSR mandates.
- Banks (SBI, ICICI) might fund heritage panels as part of community development.
- **Crowdfunding**: Platforms like **Milaap** or **Ketto** for small-scale projects.
- **Government Grants**: Utilize Karnataka’s **Nagara Vanike** (City Beautification) funds or Smart City Mission budgets.
- **Low-Cost Materials**: Recycled wood, repurposed shipping containers, and community-donated art supplies.
---
**5. Campaign & Community Engagement Plan**
*Step 1: Design Competitions**
- Launch **“Reimagine Palace Road Subway”** contest for architects/students, judged by experts from **CEPT University** or **IIA Bangalore**.
- Prizes: Certificates, media features, and implementation of the winning design.
*Step 2: Awareness Drive**
- **Social Media**: Viral challenges (e.g., #MySubwayStory) to share memories/ideas.
- **Workshops**: Collaborate with **Jana Urban Space** or **Citizen Matters** for participatory design sessions.
**Step 3: Pilot Project**
- Start with one subway (e.g., Palace Road) as a proof of concept. Document progress via vlogs/bloggers.
**Step 4: Advocacy**
- Petition BBMP via **Change.org** or **Civic Bangalore**, highlighting global examples and projected footfall/economic benefits.
---
**6. Heritage Integration & Local Relevance**
- **Thematic Subways**:
- **Palace Road**: Focus on Bangalore’s royal history (Wodeyar dynasty, Tipu Sultan’s armory).
- **MG Road Subway**: Highlight the city’s tech evolution (Infosys founding, IT boom).
- **City Market Subway**: Celebrate local produce and Kempegowda’s agrarian legacy.
- **Heritage Walks**: Link subways to nearby landmarks (e.g., Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore Palace).
---
*7. Leveraging Existing Infrastructure**
- **Sophia Skywalk**: Add rooftop gardens, street libraries, or exhibition panels about the neighborhood’s colonial past.
- **Partnerships**: Involve **Namma Metro** for cross-promotion (e.g., subway art featured on Metro cards).
---
*8. Measuring Success**
- **Metrics**: Increased footfall, reduced vandalism, community surveys.
- **Tools**: Google Analytics for QR code usage, social media engagement tracking.
---
**9. Key Stakeholders to Involve**
| **Stakeholder** | **Role** |
|------------------------|--------------------------------------------
| BBMP | Approvals, maintenance funds
| HeritageBeku | Advocacy, content curation
| Local RWAs | Community mobilization
| Architecture Colleges | Design contests, student participation |
| CSR Departments | Funding & partnerships
---
**10. Inspiring Precedents**
- **Chennai’s Namma Chennai Singara Chennai**: Revamped subways with murals ([Article](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai)).
**Delhi’s Safdarjung Subway Art**: Transformed by students ([Photos](https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi)).
---
**Conclusion**
Repurposing Bangalore’s subways into heritage-art hubs is not just feasible but transformative. By blending low-cost design, CSR funding, and community pride, these spaces can become symbols of the city’s creative resilience. HeritageBeku’s campaign could ignite a citywide movement, turning neglected infrastructure into beloved landmarks.
**Next Steps**:
1. Draft a formal proposal with visuals for BBMP.
2. Partner with **St+art India** for a pilot mural.
3. Launch the design contest via social media.
Let’s make Palace Road the start of Bangalore’s underground renaissance! 🎨🏙️
---
For further reading:
- [Tactical Urbanism Guide](https://www.pps.org/article/grplacefeat)
- [UN-Habitat’s Public Space Toolkit](https://unhabitat.org/public-space)
- [HeritageBeku’s Campaign](https://www.heritagebeku.com/single-post/reimagine-unused-subways)
Internal research notes and references
Research
The Seoripul Gallery was originally an underpass that was developed in 1989 and that had been unattended after 2000 when the crosswalks were installed above ground. It was remodeled as an exhibition space for local residents and young artists in 2018. This remodeling case won a silver award at the 2019 Awards for Innovation in Government Event
https://popupcity.net/insights/vacant-underpasses-get-transformed-into-lively-public-space/
