Pending RUB project near KRS Road crossing begins

Mysuru: After years of public demand, worsening congestion and repeated appeals from commuters and railway staff, the long-pending Railway Under Bridge (RUB) project at the busy KRS Road crossing near the Outer Ring Road junction has finally begun moving forward, raising hopes of relief for thousands of daily road users.

The tender process has been completed and soil testing is currently under way. Railway authorities said the RUB is likely to be completed within 15 months, provided work progresses as scheduled.

The railway crossing near Royal Inn Hotel is among the busiest and most problematic gates in Mysuru. With over one lakh vehicles using the stretch, managing traffic when the gate is closed for train movement has been a major challenge for railway staff. During peak hours, weekends and holidays, long vehicle queues are common, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and adding to operational pressure.

Speaking to TOI, Pruthvi S Hullatti, DFM and PRO, Mysuru Division, South Western Railway, said: “The tender process for the RUB has been completed and soil testing is under way. As per tender conditions, the project is expected to be completed within 15 months.”

The proposed RUB at the KRS Road–Outer Ring Road junction will have dual carriageways with a vertical clearance of 5.5 metres, enabling smooth movement of heavy vehicles and easing congestion. The project will span about 590 metres — including 220 metres from the Outer Ring Road to the railway gate and 260 metres from the gate towards JK Tyre. The Rs 50-crore project will be jointly funded by the Karnataka government and the Ministry of Railways.

The project had faced repeated delays due to traffic management concerns and procedural clearances. However, with preliminary works now under way, residents and commuters are hopeful of long-overdue relief. For railway gatekeepers who have long dealt with heavy traffic and public frustration, the RUB promises smoother operations and safer working conditions.