CM Favours Double Decker Model To Ease Traffic Congestion In Bengaluru City

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday asked officials concerned to adopt construction of a double-decker model where both flyover and Metro lines are on top of one another in other parts of Bengaluru city to ease vehicular congestion. Currently, the construction of a double-decker model which is about 2-km in length has been progressing at Silk Board junction.

Since, the model code of conduct for the general elections is in force, the Chief Minister sought permission from the Election Commission to embark upon city rounds in Bengaluru city to have firsthand information on the steps initiated to avert flooding of roads in the ensuing monsoon season to facilitate free vehicular movement and directed the officials concerned to fill-up 5500 potholes under the limits of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in a month’s time. Besides, 557 potholes have been identified in arterial and sub-arterial roads as well.

Over the flooding of roads and residential areas, he stated that about 174 km needs to be cleared of encroachments to facilitate easy flow of drain water. He told reporters that Bengaluru city has about 860 km of storm water drain and out of 491-km of storm water drain has been evicted when he was the Chief Minister from 2013-18 while the previous State Government led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) initiated steps to clear about 193 km of storm water drain.

“Had the previous BJP government initiated steps to clear eviction of storm water drains then the problem of flooding would have been solved,” said the Chief Minister and stated that about 174 km of storm water drain needs to be evicted in the city. To clear evictions of storm water drains, he said, 12 cases are pending in the Civil Court and steps would be initiated to appoint special advocates, if needed, to handle the cases expeditiously. About 12.15 km of storm water drain eviction issue is in the Court.

Regarding flooding of roads near Gaali Anjaneya Swamy temple on Bengaluru-Mysuru road, the Chief Minister said an additional storm water drain will be constructed parallel to the existing one to facilitate excess rain water flow easily. At present, he said, the wall height to avert flooding near Gaali Anjaneya Swami temple is not enough to prevent excess water from getting onto the road.

Over excess rain water entering houses at Bommanahalli assembly seat, Chief Minister instructed officials concerned to pump water overflowing from storm water drain through jackwell and drain it into the nearby Madiwala Lake. Siddaramaiah wanted officials concerned to initiate works as soon as possible which would cost around Rs 4.3 crore.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh among others were with the Chief Minister during his inspection of the city infrastructure works.