The elevated Corridor Project of BBMP has been resurrected, as the decade-old proposal to construct a flyover linking J.C. Road to Kasturba Road as a solution to ease congestion gets on the priority list. The proposal, promises to offer ease of journey through seven junctions which include Minerva Circle, Ravindra Kalakshetra, Town Hall, LIC of India, Halasuru Gate police station, Hudson Circle, and Corporation Circle.
Traffic congestion at JC Road. Image Courtesy: The Hindu
Origin of the project…
The proposal for the flyover was laid in 2009, which was then estimated to cost 86 crores. But there was opposition to the project from a section of people who claimed that the beauty of heritage buildings in the surrounding areas would be spoiled. The BBMP launched this project again in 2013. The State-level In-charge committee, Central Sanction and Management Committee approved the plan in 2014. Hence 135 crores Steel Flyover was proposed under the Amrutha Nagarothanna Yojana which demanded to cutting down of 2200 trees. The strong opposition led to the proposal again being struck down.
Proposed Steel Flyover Blueprint. Image Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle
Project’s current state…
The project has now been revived, and out of the 6,000 crores being earmarked for the Nagarothana Project, a grant of Rs 213 crore had been set aside for the elevated corridor earlier. Which has now been increased to 270 crores under the chief minister’s Nava Nagarothana programme and put up on the priority lists of the civic body for construction.
Image Courtesy: whatshot
Why is the project so important?
The elevated corridor will systemize a two-way traffic system in place which will consist of four paths. Vehicles coming from VV Puram can cross the bridge at Minerva Circle and head down towards KG Road and Kasturba Road. Vehicles coming from Nrupatunga Road can exit near Hudson Circle and proceed towards RV Road.
The route will also be home to an upcoming metro under one of its phases. BMRCL plans to build an underground metro line that is proposed to connect Sarjapura Road with Hebbal. An underground station is also planned near Town Hall and the metro line is expected to pass along JC Road and Nrupathunga Road.
Future of Namma Metro. Image Courtesy: Metromaps.ru
What did the BBMP officials say?
The flyover, officials said, will have a total of four lanes. “The project will greatly help South Bengaluru residents heading towards Majestic or Cantonment area. The flyover will also decongest seven junctions such as Minerva Circle, Town Hall, and Hudson Circle.
A senior BBMP official said the project will be definitely taken up. “A lot of grants are being used for small projects that do not make any big difference to the city. The flyover on JC Road will be taken up as it has been a long-pending proposal that is much needed.”
A BBMP official said the civic body has already consulted the BMRCL and the pillars are planned by taking reference from the metro pillar’s alignment. “At one place, the flyover pillar comes in conflict with the metro’s future alignment. We will be building a segmental structure.”
The Bengaluru TAC, which has almost finalized the technical specifications of the project, had suggested keeping the elevated roads much wide. Post-pandemic Bengaluru has witnessed congestion at various junctions and elevated corridors are one of the solutions the city can look forward to. The tender will be up for approval and the verdict will be out soon, stay tuned for more information.
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