BBMP plans four signal-free corridors

BBMP plans four signal-free corridors
CHANDRASHEKAR G.
BENGALURU







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If the BBMP has its way, getting stuck at junctions and traffic signals will be a thing of the past on four identified corridors.

After tasting success – by BBMP standards, of course -- of low-cost ‘Magic box’ underpass technology using pre-cast elements in the city, especially on Bellary Road -- the Palike now proposes to convert four roads into signal-free stretches using wider, bigger elements.

The four identified corridors are: Central Silk Board-Vellara Junction, Vellara Junction–Kundalahalli near Varthur, Rajkumar Road, and the stretch from Mekhri Circle to Hope Farm (via Old Madras Road, Hoodi and Whitefield).

These are high density corridors, said BBMP chief engineer (major roads) T. N.Chikkarayappa.

The hallmark of the effort will be the use of wider magic boxes, each measur ing 7.5m, at all the junctions to ease traffic congestion and to provide for seamless traffic.

The BBMP conducted a special survey to identify the junctions where the underpasses had to be built, Chikkarayappa said.

There has been much criticism on the Palike’s use of smaller magic boxes in the past. Where they have been used, they have had no or negative impact on the problem of traffic congestion, often themselves becoming bottlenecks. The proposed underpasses will be built to allow a lot many more vehicles to pass through simultaneously, like conventional underpasses do.

“To begin with, the corridor from Silk Board to Vellara Junction has been taken up for making it signal-free.

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared for the stretch and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) approval has been obtained,” Chikkarayappa said.

The project is estimated to cost Rs 50 crore, and it has been tendered for. Contractors will be shortlisted for the project shortly, he added.

Eight major junctions have been identified on the Silk Board–Vellara Junction corridor for laying the magic box underpasses.

This will enable smooth traffic flow both over and through the underpass.