Sheshadri Road choked again

Sheshadri Road choked again
Avoid the stretch between Anand Rao Circle and KR Circle, as the traffic flow is being disrupted by the work of laying high-voltage power cables by Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation
SUCHITH KIDIYOOR


Motorists had a tough time driving at peak hours on Sheshadri Road on Saturday. The was a huge traffic jam from K R Circle to the Anand Rao Circle flyover due to the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL) is laying high voltage cables on the stretch.
The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which had constructed an underpass at Maharani’s Junction recently, was quick to blame KPTCL for the mess. BBMP Chief Engineer (major projects) Chikkarayappa said,” We had asked them to complete cable laying before the stretch was thrown open to traffic. Now their work is causing the inconvenience.”
DELAYED PERMIT
However, KPTCL had a different version. “The BBMP is passing the buck on us. We had been requesting permission for a long time, but got the go ahead only now after we deposited the resurface payment. We are laying power cables that carry 1000 volts. We have to be very cautious because if other government agencies like BWSSB and BSNL lay their utilities on the same stretch, there could be an explosion. If the cables are laid properly, there will not be any problem for the next three decades.”
Considering the commuters’ plight, the BBMP is planning to place signboards to divert traffic. Chikkarayappa said, “Sign boards will be placed at Maharani’s College junction and the approach point to K R Circle from Vidhana Soudha for the convenience of vehicle users. We have already put directions at the important approach points.”