City flyovers in for a makeover

City flyovers in for a makeover



The BDA will beautify flyovers built by them, with landscaping and greenery, says B S Manu Rao




The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has entrusted landscaping and beautification work with greenery, of their flyovers, to different agencies. The project will work on a build-operatetransfer basis. The flyovers in for beautification include - Jayadeva Hospital grade separator, Dairy Circle grade separator, Ananda Rao Circle flyover, Whitefield Road flyover and the Hebbal Flyover. The agreements were entered into two months ago and the initial works are on. The work is expected to be completed in a year. The agencies have been handed the project for a period of five years and the license requires annual renewal. As part of the project, the agencies will design landscaping around the base of the flyovers and also along the medians. The landscaping will involve plants, flower bushes, lawns, designs in rocks and fountains. Lighting will also feature in the landscaping. The system will be self-sufficient with an inbuilt irrigation system for the plants. The plants will be chosen according the aesthetic needs and potential of the flyover, and in consultation with the horticulture division of BDA.
It has been suggested to plant Mexican grass in areas that are in shade. Indoor plant varieties will be planted in areas that are mostly in shade. Some of the varieties of plants that will be grown are anthurium, schefleria, gold fern, cuphea, asparagus mayuri, eranthemum, night queen, and lantana, among other such ornamental varieties.
Ornamental mercury lamps will be used to light up the landscaped areas. The lighting and water bodies will depend on the space available. Attractive signage will complete a pretty picture.
"These flyovers are unique in design. The Dairy Circle grade separator is one-of-itskind in the country. The Hebbal Flyover has won a national award for its design", says T C Kathyayini, public relations officer, BDA. "The Airport Road Flyover will be taken up for beautification shortly", she adds.