The Hindu : BMP resumes work despite row

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 18, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka-Bangalore

BMP resumes work despite row

By Afshan Yasmeen

BANGALORE Sept. 17. Work on the National College flyover, which was suspended by the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) because of "technical problems", has been resumed.

This follows approval for the project from the Bangalore Mass Rapid Transit Ltd. (BMRTL). The contractors — National Project Construction Corporation (NPCC) — have begun "trial boring" and soil tests at Vani Vilas Circle for the project.

There was controversy over the implementation of the project after residents of Basavangudi and nearby areas said the flyover was not required, and that it would destroy the beauty of the area. But the BMP went ahead with plans for the project, and secured the approval of the Cabinet in April.

In a letter dated August 7, 2003, the BMRTL informed the BMP that the "portals" proposed for the Metro Rail project should not overlap those of the flyover. "The location of the portals should not affect the road traffic movement along Vani Vilas Road,'' the letter said. The BMP claims it has made minor changes in the design to modify the plan for a ramp towards Lalbagh West Gate.

The BMP Engineer-in-Chief, Ramegowda, told The Hindu on Wednesday that the Rs. 16.94 crore turnkey project would not clash with the proposed Metro Rail as it would be elevated near the National College. "The eight-month delay will not result in cost escalation,'' he said.

The ramp of the 408.60-m. flyover begins on Vani Vilas Road at the intersection of D.V. Gundappa and Uttaradhimath roads, and ends in front of Vasavi Vidya Niketan School.

The project design is based on traffic intensity during peak hours. Mr. Ramegowda said that the BMP had written to the BWSSB, BESCOM, and the BSNL to shift pipelines/cables.

The BMP has sought the permission of the Forest Department to fell trees, and written to the traffic police seeking diversion of vehicles to facilitate the project work.

However, residents are upset that the project is to be taken up. Narendra Gandhi, an advocate from Basavanagudi, said Metro Rail would run on the same route. "The 408.60-m. flyover will cost Rs. 16.94 crore — that is more than Rs. 4 lakh per metre. Do we need to spend so much money?'' he asked.

Mr. Gandhi said the flyover ramps could cause accidents as they started and ended in front of National College and Vasavi Vidya Niketan.

Besides, statistics showed that passenger car at National College did not exceed 10,000 at any time, and this disputed vehicle density findings, based on which the project was planned. "Motorists from Ramakrishna Ashram tend to take the diagonal road which leads to J.C. Road. Why will they take the flyover ramp that goes to Jayanagar?'' he asked

Mr. Gandhi said residents planned to meet the Chief Minister, S.M. Krishna, to voice their concerns.

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