ON THE ZOOMWAY TO E-CITY

ON THE ZOOMWAY TO E-CITY

9.5-Km Ride To Take 20 Mins
Elevated expressway connects Central Silk Board junction and Electronic City To be inaugurated on Friday by Union surface transport minister Kamal Nath Travel time: 15-20 mins To benefit: thousands of commuters, mostly techies
VALUE ADDITIONS
4 lanes of traffic: 2 lanes in each direction Metal dividers run between, adorned with flower pots Streetlights on either side Variable Message Signs (VMS) display info about lanes, routes, accidents — a first in the city Surveillance cameras at specific locations Carriageway on both sides: 7.5 metres wide
PUSHING DEADLINES
Project started in early 2006 Was to be completed by Sept 2008, then again by April 2009
WHAT COMMUTERS SAY
The expressway is the best thing that has happened to Bangalore. I have been travelling for the past two-and-half years, ever since the project was in its initial stages. The road would be dark and in a pathetic condition, and it took one-and-half hours to reach the city. Now it takes around 45 minutes. I also had back pain due to the long rides. Now, there are lights everywhere, thanks to the expressway, and the ride is going to be smoother and quicker. — Samyukta Raman | MEDIA PROFESSIONAL, RESIDENT OF ELECTRONIC CITY
I am really excited. I travel nearly three hours every day. Not only me but all my colleagues are also ready to pay the toll if it gets us home early. — Shobhita Martiz | SOFTWARE PROFESSIONAL, LIVES IN KAMMANAHALLI
TOLL ANNOUNCED
Two-wheelers riding for first time to pay Rs 10 for one way, Rs 20 for multiple journeys Cars, SUVs: Rs 30; Rs 45 for multiple journeys Monthly passes available: Rs 360 for bikes, Rs 900 for cars, jeeps, vans
TOLL ON GROUND ROAD TOWARDS ATTIBELE
Commuters, barring two-wheelers, crossing Attibele and going towards Tamil Nadu, to pay up too For using the NHAI road: cars, jeeps to pay Rs 20 LCVs: Rs 20, trucks, buses which ply often: Rs 30, at Attibele Plaza
LOCATION OF FEE PLAZAS
Electronic City Phase I near Infy gate Electronic City Phase II Right-hand side of carriageway towards city from Electronic City Left-hand side of carriageway towards Hosur from city Attibele
Compiled by: A T Subrahmanya Photos: Chethan Shivakumar; Design: John Jose