vSmoother journey ahead for RUB users

vSmoother journey ahead for RUB users
DH News Service, Bangalore:
A solution to the vexed Road-Under-Bridge (RUB) issue at Beniganahalli appears in sight following an understanding arrived at between the State government, the National Highways Authority of India and the Railways.


Tenders are expected to be called for in ten days with the work slated to commence within two months.

This was decided upon at a high-level meeting convened at the office of the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, V P Baligar, on Friday with top officials including the General Manager of South Western Railways Praveen Kumar and Divisional Railway Manager, Bangalore divisor, Akhil Agrawal.

Much of the credit for forcing the different departments to initiate action largely goes to the major protest undertaken near the bridge on Old Madras Road on Thursday by residents of surrounding areas.

Ready by October

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Praveen Kumar said, “By the most optimistic assessment, the bridge is expected to be ready for use by October 2009.”

The Railways has already sent a proposal in this connection to the head office of NHAI in New Delhi and tenders can be called for after it gets the authority’s approval. It is expected to be approved in a day or two.

There is no problem in expanding the width of the RUB but the bone of contention between the two Central government departments was the height of the bridge.

“The present height is 4.8 metres. We are in charge of taking care of the construction part and have sent a proposal to extend it upto 5 metres. However, the NHAI is keen that it be extended upto 5.5 metres,” the GM said.

This is not feasible as the railway track running above cannot be shifted, he added. If the NHAI is keen on that height, then the only solution is to push the road further down, he felt.

MLA Reddy said that the departments have agreed to hold a review meeting every month until the project is completed.