BBMP, traffic cops get knotty with road work

BBMP, traffic cops get knotty with road work


A view of Residency Road-Brigade Road junction/A jilal.
Sriram V
First Published : 07 Dec 2008 04:58:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 07 Dec 2008 12:32:02 PM IST

BANGALORE: If you’ve wondered why the Residency Road-Brigade road junction is still closed when there are no signs of any work happening there, you are in good company. Even BBMP and the city traffic police are wondering why this is so.

When the drain maintenance work began on Nov 7, there were promises it would be done in 48 hours, but 29 days later, the junction is still closed for traffic. With the work at the junction at a complete standstill, it looks like motorists travelling on Residency Road will have to continue taking detours for more time.

Officials, on the other hand, are happy passing the buck. This is what they had to say: BBMP: Chief Engineer, Chikkarayappa: “We have completed work on the drain and road is clear for traffic. I have no idea why traffic police have not opened the junction to traffic.” Traffic Police: DCP, East, K Shrinivas says: “BBMP officials are still carrying out some work at the site. If they have completed work, let them give it in writing and we'll open junction for traffic.” BBMP: “Only the work on the side drain is not done yet. It has been held up for the last 10 days because of non-availability of ready mix concrete, due to strike. Once that is available, we can complete that work in a week. But this work is being done on the side of the road and inside War Memorial Park and it's in no way blocking traffic.” Asked when the work on the side drain would commence, Chikkarayappa said: “We are expecting to receive the concrete supply tonight and will start work immediately.”

History of bungling

The drain, constructed with pre-cast elements, was supposed to be a model for all future drain work. The use of pre-cast elements, instead of conventional methods, was meant to complete work in 48 hours. Lack of planning was evident right from day one. When work began on Nov 7 night, only a few BBMP officials were aware. Traffic police were informed only next morning. BBMP officials said the work would be completed by November 11.

Timeline

Nov 7: BBMP repair work of stormwater drain late Friday night

Nov 8: Traffic police set up diversion.

BBMP officials say work will be completed by November 10

Nov 10: Urban Development Minister Suresh Kumar and Shantinagar MLA, NA Harris visit spot. Harris complains about shoddy work

Nov 11: Concrete elements are lowered to match existing road level

Nov 13: Asphalting of road done. BBMP claim shifting of utility lines causing the delay

Nov 14: Work on side drain held up because of lack of concrete supply

Dec 5: BBMP claim 90 per cent of the road available for use. Say work on side drain may start on Dec 6.