Closure of railway crossing opposed

The railway crossing, which comes under the National Highway 4, was the common route taken be vehicles plying to Bangarpet and between Kolar, Bangalore and Tirupati.

But now, a railway overbridge is being constructed at the railway crossing and all the vehicles that earlier plied through the railway crossing, now have to compulsorily take the overbridge. Moreover, residents and students are also forced to take the overbridge, and many feel this is a problem.

With the closure of the railway crossing, those heading to Gajaladinne, Jayanagar and surrounding areas from Mulbagal and Bangarpet, have to travel an additional 10 km.

Moreover, one can enter the overbridge near the railway gate, but you can get off the bridge only near Bethani on Bangalore Road, and then you have to travel all the way back.

The alternative to the overbridge, is the circuitous route through Bangarpet Road leading into Kolar.

While residents agree that it makes sense for heavy vehicles to use the overbridge, they feel that for villagers and traders the overbridge eats into their time and money.

Incidentally, the decision to close the railway crossing permanently was taken during the planning stage. As a result, the district administration cannot interfere in the matter now.

This was conveyed to the CMC vice president S R Murali Gowda by Additional Deputy Commissioner N Babanna, when the former went to submit an appeal on Saturday asking the district administration to find a solution to the situation.

“Only officers of the Railways can take a call on this. However, none of them are available in the town,” Gowda said.