Congestion ahead: Sirsi Circle flyover repair begins

BGS flyover, commonly known as Sirsi Circle flyover, has been partially shut for repair that will last four months. While the repair will put motorists to hardship, questions are being raised about the need to asphalt the 2.6-km-long flyover that was tarred just a few years ago.

The BBMP cited “excessive use” of the city’s oldest flyover to justify the repair. In July, the BBMP council had approved a proposal to re-asphalt the flyover a cost of Rs 4.02 crore, though the expressway was asphalted with 40 mm tar at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore just a few years ago. The BBMP has contracted the flyover repair out to Sai Trisha Infra Engineers.

As per the tenders document reviewed by DH, the BBMP had assigned the flyover’s maintenance to the previous contractor until 2019. “The poor maintenance by the contractor resulted in potholes on the flyover. Besides, the surface has also worn off due to the unprecedented rain in September 2017,” the document states.

Consequently, the BBMP has forfeited the fixed security deposit (FSD) and the earnest money deposit (EMD), amounting Rs 11.23 lakh.

The document further stated that asphalting the flyover is inevitable because the BBMP has given an undertaking to the Lokayukta in this regard.

The busy flyover became accident-prone owing to potholes and faulty parting joints.

K T Nagaraj, Chief Engineer (Projects Central), BBMP, said the flyover would not be shut at once. “Motorists moving from Town Hall towards Mysuru Road can use the alternative route in the evening. But vehicles will not be allowed on one side (left) of the road,” he told this newspaper. “Since the flyover needs repair, we will take up the milling work and subsequently the stretch will be asphalted.”