Bengaluru: Though the work on Hennur flyover began in 2009, it still remains incomplete and it is a nightmare for motorists using nearby roads, which are pothole ridden and poorly lit. The delay in the project has also had an adverse effect on the nearby Hennur-Bagaluru road. Ironically the flyover falls under the constituency of Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George. The project has missed many deadlines and the authorities now assure it will be over by December-end.
The work on Hennur flyover is a classic example of apathy and bungling by civic authorities on this crucial infrastructure project. Although the work began in 2009, it is still nowhere near completion. Ironically it falls under the constituency of Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George. For residents and motorists it is a nightmare to use the roads near the flyover. “The area is becoming dangerous because the streets are not well lit. The officials say that they had issues with land acquisitions. In that case, why did not they plan in advance?” asks Ms Nadia Zackria, a resident of Hennur.
Lamenting the government for its lackadaisical attitude, she said major accidents are taking place on the service road nearby as they are riddled with potholes. “Service roads are miserable. Though there is a deadline being fixed to fill potholes, nothing has been done in that regard. Construction debris leads to traffic congestion,” Nadia added.
After a recent protest, Mr George had assured the citizens that the work would be completed within 75 days. The delay in the project has had an adverse impact on Hennur-Bagaluru road. An online petition started by Mr Subramanian K, a resident of Hennur since 2008 has collected over 4,500 signatures feels pained that though the completion of the project has been promised by December end, the seriousness shown by the BDA officials immediately after the protest continued only for a week.
“We are looking at the legal possibilities too as one cannot just leave the project unfinished for nine years. There is only a 10 feet of road left on either side of the flyover, but that is also completely riddled with potholes,” said Subramanian. Taking a jibe at the BBMP, he said they are only painting the potholes. The incompletion of the work has led to a harrowing situation as the commuters feel helpless while navigating through the area. One of the commuters, Shruthi Khanna narrates the ordeal she faces while commuting to Lingarajapuram as it gets choked during peak hours. “I have to go to the hospital. But in order to reach Lingarajapuram, I have to park my car and then take an auto rickshaw to commute. Every day it is a nightmare to commute through that area,” she added.
‘Project will get over by December end’
Q&A with the BDA engineer P.N. Naik
The project has been delayed for nine years. Why?
We have faced the issues of land acquisition which took lot of time. The ramp length of the flyover also got extended from 200 metres to 400 metres. Out of 31 properties, which were acquired, three were under dispute.
When can we expect the project to get over? The residents also complain of bad roads in the area?
The project will get over by December end. The issues related to electric lines etc have also been resolved. We will soon finish the project.
What is the cost of the project?
The cost of the flyover project is Rs 58 crore and the underpass which we completed was around Rs 42 crore.
