The long-pending demand of the residents, here, for railway over-bridge or under-bridge to ease vehicular traffic, at the railway level-crossing, is all set to be fulfilled.
If all goes as per plan, the city will get four railway bridges. The residents of the city have been seeking an over-bridge at Market Road, between Jain Street and Mahaveera Circle, connecting the old town with the new city areas.
Hundreds of vehicles ply on the Market Road and Jain street every day, but have to stop inevitably at the railway gate, every time the train passes, causing traffic jam and irritation to vehicle users.
The struggle by the Mandya Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI) and others has finally yielded results as the department of Infrastructure Development has approved the construction of four Railway Over Bridges (ROB) or Railway Under Bridges (RUB) in the city limits.
M P Mahendra Babu of the MCCI said, many have lost their lives due to accidents near the railway gate. As the road is narrow, vehicle density is more and are prone to mishaps. Construction of a railway bridge was the main demand of our organisation and we had submitted a number of memoranda to many officials. Now, our efforts have yielded results, he added.
Railway bridges
Approval has been given for construction of four railway bridges at Hanakere railway gate on Mysuru-Bengaluru rail route, Mandya-Yeliyuru gate (73rd level crossing), Kallahalli railway gate (75th level crossing) and V C Farm railway gate (76th level crossing). Experts will make spot inspection and decide on the construction of an over-bridge or an under-bridge. Both the Centre and the state governments are funding on 50:50 basis.
No objection
With the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and Assistant Commissioners issuing no objection certificates (NOC) for the project, the works will begin soon. However, there is a need for acquiring private lands for the purpose in the city. The land owners have agreed to part with their lands if the compensation is paid as per the Land Acquisition Act rules.
Farmer leader Rajegowda said, sugar cane laden bullock carts move on the Kallahalli and V C Farm railway gates and sometimes, there is no clue about the moving train, resulting in mishaps. The decision to construct the bridges is a welcome move, he said.
