Illegal parking thrives beneath flyovers

A few of the flyovers in the City, built by BBMP and BDA to ease traffic woes, are serving another purpose. The space beneath them has turned into parking lots. But the illegal parking lots are an eyesore on the roads.

The under-construction Hennur flyover, opposite the BMTC depot, is lined with an array of trucks loaded with crushed stones. The lorries, belonging to a private company supplying building materials, are being parked under the flyover for the past two months.

Anjanappa, one of the drivers from the firm, said no action had been initiated against them by anyone, including the police. He said: “We pay a commission of Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month to the traffic police officials who come from Hennur and Banaswadi police stations and request them to let us park the lorries. They won’t question us as long as we pay them.”

The BDA has constructed over 26 flyovers across the City till date, out of which the vacant space under only five to six of them has been used for gardening. A senior BDA official said since most of the flyovers are constructed in BBMP limits, the Palike is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining them.

The condition is more or less the same under Domlur flyover, with many vehicles being parked underneath it. Pedestrians and motorists face a tough time passing through Indiranagar 100 Feet Road, towards Old Airport Road, as the lane beside the flyover is occupied by vehicles.

Colonel Janakiram Reddy, President of the Domlur Layout Residents’ Welfare Association, said: “Just beside the flyover, there is huge parking space, but it is hardly utilised. Traffic congestions on the lanes and near the flyover can be avoided, if people start using the parking space.”

The vacant space under the Hebbal flyover near the railway track is always teeming with two-wheelers. The residents and commuters hardly question those who park vehicles illegally as they are scared of them.

One of the auto drivers from Chelikere extension said: “Once, I questioned a driver about parking beneath the flyover. He asked me not to interfere. So, I have stopped questioning them.”

When contacted, BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah admitted there was illegal parking beneath the flyovers.

“We are trying our best to make the best use of the vacant spaces. Some private companies have come forward to help us develop them, so that they are not used for other purposes.”