Old Madras, Old Airport roads will be signal-free: KJ George

Bengaluru: Old Madras Road and Old Airport Road will soon be signal free, reducing traffic congestion on these clogged stretches. The projects, to be taken up at a cost of Rs 276 crore, include construction of five underpasses and one flyover, said Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George, who along with the Mayor and BBMP Commissioner inspected development works on the stretch on Tuesday.

Pulling up BBMP chief engineer Prahalad for delaying the commencement of construction of an underpass near Hope Farm, Mr George pointed out that the administrative approval was given a long time ago. Mr George advised the engineer to expedite the work.

Commencing his inspection from Wind Tunnel Road, Mr George said, “With these projects, the entire 33 km stretch will become signal-free.”

RNS Infrastructure has bagged the contract to build the five underpasses and one flyover. Six months have been given to complete the five underpasses, while one-year deadline has been set for the flyover, to be built at Hoodi Junction.

Land acquisition problems solved
Problems over acquisition of land belonging to NAL, HAL and other private parties for the signal-free corridor have been solved by issuing TDRs. Other issues too will be solved soon, Mr George said.

Complaints galore
During the inspection, many residents complained to Mr George about the poor condition of road near Vibgyor School. BBMP engineers told the minister that they have not been able to repair the road as four private landowners have approached the court and got a stay on the development works on the 12-km stretch. Mr George suggested to the officials to take suitable action to get the stay vacated.