Flyovers and double-decker corridors to ease Bengaluru traffic, says DK Shivakumar

BENGALURU: State govt Thursday announced new infrastructure projects, mainly focused on Bengaluru's key entry and exit chokepoints. Deputy CM and Bengaluru development minister DK Shivakumar said the govt would push ahead with tunnel roads, flyovers and double-decker corridors to decongest high-traffic stretches.

Replying to a debate in the legislative assembly on infrastructure gaps, Shivakumar said the long-pending Ejipura flyover would be completed in 4-5 months, adding that Rs 25 crore dues to contractors had been cleared.

On concerns over congestion at Nelamangala, he said, "We'll build a new road from Nelamangala-Sondekoppa, Tavarekere-Bidadi to reduce congestion. A notification was issued in 2006, but there was no action on it. We'll execute the project through BMRDA."

The minister said the govt has conceptualised a Rs 3,000-crore plan to develop 300 km of roads along stormwater drains, with initial allocation of Rs 300 crore.

Shivakumar said a proposal had been received from Union minister Shobha Karandlaje and Yeshwantpur MLA ST Somashekhar to extend Metro services to Tavarekere. "We are planning a double-decker flyover on the stretch to decongest western parts of Bengaluru. The work on 109km elevated corridor will begin soon," he said. He assured BJP's R Ashoka that the Banashankari skywalk from BMTC bus stand to Metro station would be taken up soon.

On structural constraints, Shivakumar said, "While all other cities have 16% major roads, Bengaluru has only 8%, leading to congestion. Our five options of compensation in building Bangalore Business Corridor have yielded results. Once this is complete, this will bypass major traffic to pass via north and east Bengaluru towards Chennai."

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