BDA ignored public opinion, aesthetics on steel bridge: experts

The Institution of Engineers has junked the idea of the steel flyover from Chalukya Circle to Hebbal saying the BDA has not followed procedures and has ignored aesthetic aspects.

Institution members, including its chairperson R M Vasagam, and secretary Dr W P Krishna, are critical about the project. Vasagam said public consultation is a must whenever a major infrastructure project is planned. ``This did not happen in the case of steel flyover,’’ he said.
He said, “People must be consulted first since it is they who use it and for whose benefit such structures are planned. There is no point in having a mega structure without seeking people’s opinion.”

Vasagam added that any structure coming up at a public place should blend with the aesthetics of the city. He also sought to know whether the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) weighed other options before zeroing in on this project. Dr Krishna said the steel flyover will kill the feeling of Bengaluru for those coming to the city from the airport.

“We need to retain the status of Bengaluru as a Garden City. If you are coming from the airport, the feeling of Bengaluru starts from Mehkri Circle. This giant structure will rob the beauty of Bengaluru. Can passengers see the beautiful golf course, the majestic buildings abutting the golf course, the lush greenery around the High Grounds?” questioned Krishna. He demanded opening the Hennur-Bagalur Road to the airport if the focus was on easing traffic.

Town and country planning expert in the institution, Dr A S Kodanda Pani outright rejected the proposal saying no consultations were held on the design. He said a steel flyover looks ugly when it gets rusted.

“The only advantage with the steel flyover is it can be dismantled if required,” said Kodanda Pani. Architect Naresh V Narasimhan categorically rejected the proposed giant structure. He said flyovers are constructed in some very rare cases. “Bridges are constructed across three obstacles. One, across the river, second at intersections of highways or ring roads and the third across railway crossings. I would like to know which of these necessities have emerged that the steel flyover has been designed,” said Narasimhan.