JOIN USThe much-awaited Hennur flyover project will be completed by March this year, claims the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). Local residents, however, are not convinced, considering the slow pace of work.
Commenced in 2010, the Hennur Junction flyover project was proposed to be completed by 2012. But there has been a delay in work execution due to land acquisition problems and works taken up by the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), according to the BDA.
Manjunath, executive engineer, BDA, said: “The estimated cost of the project is Rs 58.4 crore and it is expected to be completed in two months. The flyover stretching till Kacharakanahalli is almost complete, barring the ramp work for which we need to acquire land. We will be shifting an overhead powerline located at Hennur, as it is obstructing our work.”
C F John, a resident who stays close to the flyover, lamented the slow progress of work. “The project is moving at a snail’s pace. Apart from motorists and residents, the traffic police personnel too are put to hardship. The project has been going on endlessly for about four years now.”
Nagarjuna Constructions Company has been roped in by the BDA to execute the project. A BDA official said the Authority had already issued notifications to a couple of property owners regarding land acquisition.
“Discussions have been held with the property owners,” the official added, refusing to comment further.
Pradeep M, a resident of Lingarajpuram, said: “Ever since the work started, there has been lot of dust pollution in the area. Moreover, motorists need to put up with traffic diversions. The BDA is making false promises and it is hard to believe them.”
The traffic police personnel from the Banaswadi traffic police station are having a tough time managing traffic, especially during the peak hours in the morning and evening.
Besides, dust and pollution are taking a toll on their health. An officer from the Banaswadi traffic police station said, “Due to inhalation of dust, coupled with air pollution, our lifespan will definitely reduce by 10 years.
But we are used to it. There are more than 10 traffic personnel deputed at various locations of the stretch and we work from 8 am till late night. It would be good if the authorities finish the flyover work at the earliest.”
He said the traffic would get chaotic, especially between 8 am and 11 am and 5pm and 8pm. “Vehicles from Banaswadi, Bagalur and surrounding areas have to ply on Siddapura Road instead of Hennur-Kacharakanahalli Road to reach Lingarajpuram due to the ongoing work,” he said.