Plans to move pipeline could worsen traffic scene near Shivananda Circle

Plans by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to laterally shift the pipes and drains from the dug-up part of the road near Shivananda Circle underpass has threatened to worsen the traffic situation.

Commuters along the stretch are already caught in worsening traffic snarls as large portion of the road has been opened up to create storm water drains to pump out water.

The BBMP has decided to move the utilities to make way for the controversial steel bridge, work for which is scheduled to begin at the end of this month.

BBMP Assistant executive Engineer Chennakeshava said the existing pipelines in the drain are being closed on November 8. "For the time being, we are inserting RCC cement pipes and are shifting the drain laterally down the road to make way for the steel flyover," he said.

Dinesh Kumar, working with Padam Pharma, said repeated complaints have been made regarding the traffic snarl and the stench emanating from the open ditch. "No one cared to respond," he said.

The roadwork has severely impacted traffic along the road, especially during the peak hours.