Metro work at Jayadeva flyover shrinks road

Traffic gridlocks near the two ramps of Jayadeva flyover on the ring road are likely to continue till Metro officials widen the road on both sides.

It has been about six months since the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) contractors erected barricades on either side of the median to build Metro pillars.

“The width of the road has been reduced by about 50% and we have limited option to divert traffic. Metro authorities have widened the road between Silk Board and BTM Circle. The traffic between Ragi Gudda and BTM Circle is heavily congested but the option to widen the road is limited as there are trees along the road,” the traffic police said.

A BMRCL official said the entire stretch between RV Road and Jayanagar Eastend, leading to the western ramp of the flyover as well as the Mico Layout-BTM Circle stretch on the other side of the flyover was lined with trees.

“Except for construction of the Metro stations, we have not sought permission to cut trees for widening the road as it will only lead to opposition by citizens. The roads on both sides have been widened wherever there was space. We are exploring other options,” the official added.

A BBMP forest official said at some places, trees more than 40-50 years old have been trimmed to make way for the movement of Metro machinery. “One or two trees may be cut only after ensuring that they will make way for widening the road. The thick green cover will not be disturbed,” he said. Traffic police said they have urged Metro officials to widen the road before demolishing the Jayadeva flyover. “Since there is no service road on most part of this stretch, it is impossible to handle traffic unless the road is widened. We have to consider the movement of vehicles to the hospital too,” he said.