JOIN USMore lanes planned for ROBs at Baiyappanahalli, Banaswadi
Compelled by public demand and increasing traffic, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has proposed to add lanes to the existing railway overbridges (ROBs) at Baiyappanahalli and Banaswadi areas.
While residents and commuters in the two areas have for long felt the need for this, the Palike had been dilly-dallying with the idea.
However, sources in the Palike said the decision to conduct a feasibility study has finally been made and that the BBMP will soon appoint a consultant to prepare Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the same.
A senior official said: “We have already floated tenders on March 17 inviting bids for selecting consultants. Once this process is complete, the DPR should be ready in about three to four months.”
As of now, another official pointed out, the proposal is to add one lane each to the ROBs at Baiyappanahalli and Banaswadi. “This is, however, just a proposal. But, given that we will be studying the traffic pattern and other requirements in the area, there could well be more than one lane added, but no decision can be taken on that before the feasibility study and the DPR is ready,” he added.
Happy about proposal
Jude Rajesh Ferrao, one of the residents from HRBR Layout, who regularly uses the Banaswadi ROB is happy about the proposal.
“The railway bridge junction is always congested and, adding another lane would be a great relief for commuters. The Palike should have executed the work of adding another lane earlier itself,” Ferrao said.
However, R Rajendra Prasad from New Baiyappanahalli Welfare Association is quite apprehensive about the proposal and its execution.
“Whether or not the additional lane will be beneficial to people is something that will be known only after the completion of the project.”
Speaking to Deccan Herald, BBMP Superintendent Engineer K T Nagaraj said: “Once the planning process in complete, we will require to deposit some money with the South Western Railways to take the project forward.”