2 signal-free corridors soon

2 signal-free corridors soon

August 13th, 2009
By Our Correspondent

Bengaluru
Aug. 12: Commuters who have to put up with tiresome waiting at traffic signals in the city, could be in for some relief.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) hopes to make 12 major corridors, including Cubbon Road and Rajkumar Road, signal-free for improved traffic flow in the city.
The initiative, which is likely to cost it Rs 2,500 crore, could help save vehicles travel time and fuel, and reduce noise and air pollution.
The plan will take into account the Metro Rail and attempt to integrate different modes of transport, BBMP sources said.
“While making the corridors signal-free, we hope to upgrade a 122 km stretch of road as well. Around 100 junctions will be provided grade separators,” said a BBMP senior engineer.
Additionally, magic box underpasses using 7.5 metres wide pre-cast elements will be provided at all the identified junctions.
The 12 corridors which will be made signal-free are the Dr Rajkumar Road from Yeshwanthpur Junction to Okalipuram (5 km), Chord Road, from Mysore Road Junction to CV Raman Road (10.5 km), Magadi Road, from Chord Road to Outer Ring Road (3.5 km), from Mysore Road Junction to Central Silk Board Junction (14.5 km), Central Silk Board Junction to Vellara Junction ( 6 km), Bannerghatta Road, from IIM-B to Wilson Garden (9.5 km), Vellara Junction to Whitefield via Varthur and HAL (13.5 km), Agara lake to Sirsi Circle via Lalbagh Fort Road (8.5 kms), City centre to Kengeri via Sirsi Circle (15.5 km), Yeshwanthpur industrial area to Hebbal, between NH 4 to NH 7 (6.5 km), Mekhri Circle to Benniganahalli via Jayamahal Road (12.5 km) and Cubbon Road to ORR via Kamaraj Road, Buddhavihar Road and Hennur Road (7 km).
Considering the criticism the smaller magic boxes already installed at junctions have invited, the new underpasses will be designed to give more room for vehiclular movement.
Work is likely to begin on the project from October, after a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which has received the thumbs up from the BBMP Technical Advisory Committee, is approved by the state government.
Among the first stretches to be tackled will be the Hosur Road, sources added.