Signal-free ride on Hosur Road soon

Signal-free ride on Hosur Road soon

Krishnaprasad

BBMP plans underpasses between Central Silk Board and Vellara junction

The exact number of underpasses and bridges to be redesigned is yet to be decided

BBMP has the support of ABIDe which says such solutions look more practical

Bangalore: Those commuting to Electronics City can hope to experience a signal-free drive on the 7-km stretch of Hosur Road between Central Silk Board junction and the Vellara junction.

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is planning to build at least five underpasses at major intersections on this stretch on the lines of those built on Bellary Road connecting to the Bengaluru International Airport.

According to top BBMP officials, a detailed project report and the feasibility study have been completed, and the process of cost estimation is under way. They reckon the project — which includes widening of the road along this stretch — will cost about Rs. 55 crore to Rs. 60 crore.

Of the 10 major intersections on this stretch, it is primarily proposed to build underpasses at Sarjapur Road junction, Forum Mall junction, Adugodi junction, Langford Road junction and Vellara junction. The remaining intersections at Madivala police stations, Kendriya Sadan junction, Marigowda Road junction (check post), Anepalya junction, Bannerghatta Road will be redesigned to make them signal-free. However, the number of underpasses and their design are yet to be finalised.

The BBMP officials said the plan would be submitted for government approval once the project cost and other details were finalised.

“We have received a good response from the people for the Bellary Road project and we are sure that Hosur Road project will ease traffic congestion, besides considerably reducing the travel time.”

The duration of the project would depend on time taken to shift utility lines (electricity and telephone cables, water and sewerage lines, and so on) and traffic diversion, which require proper planning and cooperation between various government agencies, said a senior officer.

The focus to make the intersections on major arterial roads as signal-free received priority because of the lukewarm response from property owners to voluntarily surrender portions of their land for road-widening project under the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) scheme.

Meanwhile, the Agenda for Bengaluru Infrastructure and Development (ABIDe) Task Force too insisted that the BBMP needs to focus on elimination of junctions at intersections by building underpass or redesigning them to reduce travel time on arterial roads.

“Redesigning intersection or building underpasses after a scientific study is practical approach to remove traffic bottle neck.”

“Priority is given to make this stretch signal-free than widening of the road as we can compulsorily acquire the required property at intersections to build underpasses by paying compensation if the property owners do not opt for the TDR scheme.

“But we cannot go for compulsory acquisition of properties for widening entire stretch as we cannot afford to pay heavy compensation,” said a senior officer of the BBMP.

“We have suggested similar approach to make major arterial roads — Tumkur Road, Bannerghatta Road, Kanakapura Road, Mysore Road, Magadi Road, Sarjapura Road, Old Madras Road, and Airport Road — connecting the city to National Highway or Outer Ring Road – signal-free stretch,” said a member of the ABIDe.