The first day of preliminary works for pre-cast box structure underpass at BDA Circle made people in the surrounding areas suffer without BSNL telephone connections for over six hours. Over 200 lines snapped as workers began digging on the sidewalks on Palace Road.
Residents had to wait till evening to get services restored. Workers stopped works as they found the BSNL cable separated and informed authorities at the Vyalikaval office. The problem was set right by evening.
Palike chief engineer (roads) K Krishna Reddy said as per instructions from Union ministry of Surface Transport, all cables should be laid at least 1.5 metres below the ground. “Our workers went ahead with the work presuming there would not be any cables. But the BSNL has laid cables only 2 feet below. We informed authorities immediately,” he said.
The Palike has taken up construction of seven underpasses to ease traffic congestion leading to Devanahalli International Airport. The underpass constructed at BDA Circle is the first taken up by the Palike.
Mr Reddy said shifting of utilities and preparing the ground needs at least 25 days. Once the ground is prepared, placing pre-fabricated framed cast elements takes only 72 hours. “The Palike has already asked BWSSB and Bescom to shift their cables. BWSSB and Bescom authorities have assured they will complete their work within a couple of days.”
The construction of underpass using pre-cast box technology reduces the duration as much of the work is done away from workplace.
“We need 80 elements for underpasses at Cauvery Junction, BDA circle and Windsor Manor junction. Currently, 25 elements are ready. We have set a unit in Rajajinagar to make pre-fabricated elements. We’re making three elements every day. After completion of underpass at BDA Circle, we’ll take up works at Cauvery junction and Windsor Manor junction,” Mr Reddy said.
DETAILS
* Preliminary works on underpass at BDA Circle begins
* Preliminary works will take 25 days
* Shifting of utilities on
* Placing pre-fabricated elements take 72 hours
