How about connectivity magic now?

How about connectivity magic now?


It was in the backdrop of shrill voices of apprehension over inadequate connectivity to BIA that the BBMP revealed plans for its nine magic box underpasses.
The idea of having underpasses with pre-cast elements was received with hope mixed with a bit of cynicism, thanks to the tough dates that were announced as deadlines.
But as Bangalore approaches the big day, — May 23 — the underpasses remain the only infrastructure project that has taken shape to meet at least parts of the connectivity demands. The latest one to show its magic is the underpass at BDA junction which will be thrown open to traffic on Wednesday.
But the time’s up for deadlines, denials and fresh deadlines as BIA gets set to commence operations. As a lastgap push is given to infrastructure projects that supplement the greenfield airport, TOI did a reality check of the condition of the stretch. And tried to see if the magic would work on the road to Devanahalli.
BBMP had taken up work on the magic box underpasses on nine locations. This apart, widening of some stretches all along the road leading to BIA is under way.
With the monsoon set to arrive, BBMP officials are keeping their fingers crossed over the new deadline. The Palike hopes to complete all the underpasses by July-end, if rain does not play spoilsport.
At the Highgrounds junction, utility-shifting is still being done. Soon after completion of this phase, work on the underpass will begin. At the Cunningham junction, the surface pass has been readied and vehicles are allowed to ply on it, to and from the airport.
It’s good news as far the BDA junction is concerned. The existing service roads could be used for free flow of vehicles. In order to avoid crisscrossing of vehicles coming from V S Raja Road and Mount Carmel Cross road, right side traffic will be allowed. That apart, two pedestrian passes have been provided for pedestrians.
The scene at Sanjaynagar is rather chaotic, though brisk work is going on. Commuters will have to negotiate their way through the dusty and unasphalted stretch up to Hebbal flyover for another month. Service roads are being readied while utility-shifting has also been taken up to ensure smooth work on the underpass. Once service roads are readied, traffic could be diverted to take up the main works.
At the CBI junction, work on the slightly elevated service road is being done from the junction to Hebbal flyover. Simultaneously, utility-shifting is being done. Retainer walls are being built in the middle of the road to launch pre-cast elements.
The underpass at Anandnagar junction is ready to carry vehicles, but the asphalting works will be done within a couple of days. Similarly, at Hebbal, the service lanes are being laid near the flyover to divert traffic. Work on the underpass will begin shortly. Widening of the road from Highgrounds Circle to Windsor Manor Hotel is expected to be over in a week. Road-widening from Sanjaynagar and Hebbal flyover is going on in full swing. Ten lane roads will be developed, of which six will be for vehicles on Bellary Road and four will be used as service roads.
In 45 days, the northern corridor stretch from Minsk Square to Hebbal will be ready for a smooth take-off, the authorities have promised. Hope this won’t turn out to be the “72-hour’’ promise to create the magic!