Malleswaram grade separator facing many hurdles

Malleswaram grade separator facing many hurdles

The Hindu

Even if the project is taken up, modifications may become necessary

# The grade separator is part of an integrated traffic management plan
# There have been two demonstrations against the project by residents
# They want a public hearing on the project

Bangalore: A question mark hangs over the fate of the proposed Rs. 10-crore grade separator near Malleswaram Circle. In recent weeks, there were two demonstrations by residents of the area who felt the grade separator was not needed and would disrupt traffic movement during its construction. It was followed by a Malleswaram bandh.

Malleswaram residents point out to the fact that the National College flyover built in the face of stiff opposition from Basavanagudi residents has not really helped ease traffic congestion at the busy intersection. "This may well happen here and what is really needed is a bypass for BMTC buses... public land is available near 5th Cross for the purpose," the people of Malleswaram say.

Sources in the BMP also expressed doubts over the grade separator project taking off soon. Residents associations are vociferous in their opposition and have sought public hearings. If at all the project is taken up, modifications may be necessary to allay the fears of local people.

The grade separator as originally planned is to be build at Malleswaram Circle from the 5th Cross intersection and run along the local police station to Geetanjali cinema. This underpass, along with another planned at Yeshwantpur Circle, are to be part of an integrated traffic management plan that began with the Rajajinagar underpass and Modi Circle grade separator to reduce traffic congestion in the north-western parts of the city.

Approval

Approval came from the State Government for the Malleswaram and Yeshwantpur projects in February. Following the announcement of the project, opposition from Malleswaram residents started gaining momentum. In March, they met Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and represented their misgivings to him. Without giving any firm assurance on stopping the project, the Chief Minister forwarded the memorandum to the Chief Secretary. He, in turn, is said to have sent it to the Urban Development Department.

The opposition from the residents is on the grounds that the Rajajinagar underpass and Modi Circle grade separator have already improved the traffic flow in the area and one more on a relatively narrow stretch of road may not be of much help.

The design has not taken into account possible bottlenecks at the Margosa Road and Link Road intersection, they say.

The cost escalation (latest figures exceed Rs. 10 crore) should also be accounted for, the residents say.

Top BMP officials have said that they have not yet received any negative communication from the Government after the Malleswaram project was approved. In fact, soil testing and other preliminary works have already started.