Mysuru: The long-shut pedestrian subway on Sayyaji Rao Road and the one near Dasara Exhibition Grounds, Bengaluru-Nilgiri Road, have been reopened following public demand and action by Mysuru City Corporation.

The subway had remained locked since last year’s Dasara. On Aug. 25, 2026, Star of Mysore highlighted the problem in a report titled ‘Subways to Hell’, drawing attention to the need to reopen and maintain the city’s pedestrian subways.

The MCC subsequently took up restoration work to improve key public spaces ahead of the Dasara festivities. At the Sayyaji Rao Road subway, iron sheets have been installed at the entrances to prevent rainwater from seeping in. The subway, which had remained unused for nearly a year and accumulated dust and debris, has been cleaned and given a facelift.

CCTV cameras have been installed to deter illegal activities, while dustbins have been placed to maintain cleanliness. Murals have improved the appearance of the passage and additional lighting has been provided. Barricades have also been erected to regulate pedestrian movement.

MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha said, CCTV cameras and dustbins had been installed and murals painted to improve the subway’s appearance.

“Pedestrians must use the subway to cross Sayyaji Rao Road. By keeping it clean and safe, citizens can contribute to making Mysuru cleaner and safer,” she said.

The reopening is expected to help pedestrians cross the busy road safely, particularly during the Dasara season, when the area attracts large crowds. The key question, however, is whether the MCC can keep the subway open throughout the year, rather than just during Dasara. Built with public money, such facilities often remain locked for most of the year because of poor maintenance, foul urine smell, accumulated filth and fears of illegal activities. Pedestrians said that the reopening is a welcome step, but sustained cleaning, regular monitoring and security will be essential to ensure that pedestrians can use the facility always.