JOIN USFor users of these flawed underpasses, the ordeal continues upto the Hebbal Flyover, a stretch dotted with steep ups and downs, hampering smooth flow of vehicles. “The work is shabbily done. The authorities probably hired contractors who lacked even basic engineering insight,” says Dr N M Murthy, a resident of RT Nagar, who commutes regularly to Yelahanka.
It’s not just the lone commuter that is complaining. BMTC buses are the worst hit. The buses find it extremely difficult to negotiate through the underpasses, and in the bargain, tend to graze past other vehicles, says a commuter. “The underpasses are not scientifically designed. They are so narrow that buses passing through them cause many minor accidents,” says Aarif Shaikh, an architect.
“Only regular commuters can use the underpasses without much headache,” says Ramesh, an autorickshaw driver. The underpass near Mount Carmel College leading towards Golf Course is too narrow even for cars and SUVs. During rains, almost two feet high water collects in the area, clogging the underpass. Sometimes, even vehicles with low ground clearance get stuck.
Santosh Gowda, a regular user of the underpass, says: “The paintings on the walls of the underpasses are nothing but a distraction for drivers. Instead, the authorities should use some radium reflectors.” Khwaja Mazharuddin, a frequent air traveller, says the government should seriously think of a flyover which can connect to Hebbal flyover directly. “When Hyderabad can have the longest flyover in the country, which makes travelling to the airport easier and quicker, why cant we have it,” he wonders.