Horamavu residents float online petition for rly bridge

 As the railways and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) squabble over building a bridge on the railway line in Horamavu, residents of the neighbourhood have initiated a petition on change.org to coax the authorities into action. The absence of a railway bridge creates huge traffic snarls in the area.

The level-crossing gate is closed for at least half an hour during morning and evening peak hours every day, creating huge traffic jams on both the sides, residents say.

Although the railways has decided to phase out all level crossings in the area and replace them with overbridges or underbridges, the BBMP has to give land for the project and share 50 per cent of the construction cost.

The BBMP and the railways, however, have been squabbling over the cost and the land in the project, according to sources.

Fatal accidents could be waiting to happen as many people try to cross the railway line moments before a train is to arrive every day.

A nightmare

Sanjeev Mohan, co-ordinator of the petition and a resident of the area, said that it was “a terrifying experience” to cross the line every day.

“Several trains run on the line throughout the day. It’s a nightmare to get stuck in the traffic jam, especially during the rush hours. We have tried to talk to the authorities but in vain. We even approached the Channasandra railway station master but he expressed helplessness. KR Puram MLA Byrati Basavaraj washed his hands off, saying the matter pertains to the railways.”

The level crossing is hardly a kilometre from the ring road and heavy traffic flows on the crossing throughout the day, according to Sanjeev Dyamannavar, another resident.

Then there are a large number of apartment complexes nearby. To worsen the traffic problem, the track has been doubled. “By September, trains will run on both the lines and it will be even more difficult for motorists during peak hours,” he added.

Alok Poundrik, also a resident, said that the stretch had three level crossings and only the railways knew when it would build the bridges there.

Sanjeev Mohan, resident and co-ordinator of petition: It’s a nightmare to get stuck in the traffic jam, especially during the rush hours. We have tried to talk to the authorities but in vain. We even approached the Channasandra railway station master but he expressed helplessness.