CUnderpasses vs flyovers: Expert bats for former

Underpasses vs flyovers: Expert bats for former
Vijay Times

Underpasses are more useful in solving problems of traffic congestion in the City that flyovers, M N Sreehari, chairman, Traffic Engineers and Safety Trainers (TEST), has said.

Acknowledging Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamys observation on the matter, Sreehari said underpasses or grade separators have been a huge success in easing congestion compared with flyovers. While Bangalore has 14 flyovers, some have failed miserably. For instance, the National College, Sirsi Circle, Banaswadi, Lingarajapuram and Airport flyovers have failed as few motorists use them. Kumaraswamy had suggested to the civic bodies to construct underpasses rather than flyovers as the former are more cost-effective.

Experts cite the example of Mekhri Circle underpass, which has received wide appreciation and has significantly solved traffic problems on the busy Bellary Road. The three other recently-developed underpasses at Rajajinagar, Modi Circle and Jayadeva have also been a success.

Utility study

The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) has proposed the constitution of a postconstruction study of flyovers and underpasses with a view to study their utility. Services of road experts and consultants will be sought to maintain roads.

The post-study group will analyse whether a project has been put to use properly. It will also analyse the stability and the maintenance mechanism.

For instance, a joint and the bearing of the Sirsi Circle flyover has worn out and is not being maintained propertly. A BMP engineer said the will say when the flyovers or underpasses should be repaired or maintained.