Overpass shatters peace on National College campus

Overpass shatters peace on National College campus

The Hindu

Students and teachers say the din on the road below the overpass is unbearable

Bangalore: Three months after it was opened, the National College overpass at Basavanagudi has been greeted with mixed reaction.

Those driving travelling between the northern and southern parts of Bangalore find it convenient.

But for the students and staff of National College, the din of traffic, the dust raised and emissions from vehicles are anything but welcome.

The schools and colleges in the area have nearly 5,000 students and for them reaching their place of study on foot has become a perilous exercise.

The road at the entrance to National College, though not meant for through traffic after the overpass was opened, is still being used by a large number of vehicles.

This being a narrow stretch, students complain they cannot walk safely. It is difficult for them to walk from the North Road.

According to the college authorities: "The overpass has only been a disturbance for students in the classes and we even lost the portico at our entrance. Practical classes in the laboratories are badly affected because of the noise and vibration and even heavy vehicles are using the road in front of our college. We have even complained to the traffic police about this."

The students complain about the noise distracting them while in classes.

There was stiff opposition to the overpass project right from the day it was announced, with residents' associations and environmental groups.

For the former it was a question of the calm of the neighbourhood being affected and for the latter, the avenue trees that had to be felled. The BMP had assured them that new trees will be planted.

For those driving on the overpass towards Krishnarajendra Road or towards Visveswarapuram through A.N Krishna Rao Road, the overpass is convenient. Many who regularly travel between Jayanagar and the central parts of the city say it saves them 15 to 20 minutes.