Reopening magic box govt's golden ticket to steel flyover?

BENGALURU: The state government seems to have found a magic lamp — a two-fold objective seems to be at work behind the recent re-opening of the Cauvery Junction underpass, also known as a magic box. One, it could be a bid to embarrass the BJP since it was built during the tenure of that party’s government in 2008. The move, which has led to a significant rise in congestion on Airport Road, could also be a way for the Congress government to harp on the need for a steel flyover.

The ‘magic box’ was closed by traffic police in May due to the inconvenience it was causing motorists. However, they reopened the magic box in September to facilitate construction of the `1,789 crore steel flyover. Though the work order for the flyover is yet to be issued, officials claim that they want people to get used to the route and hence opened the magic box.

With several vehicles getting stuck in the magic box, many motorists are now convinced of the need for a massive flyover. “We want the government to demolish this magic box structure and initiate the steel flyover project. Those who are campaigning against the project don’t give practical solutions. For instance, a Metro or mono rail project will take longer and it is not feasible to travel in BMTC buses as it is always crowded and not frequent. Many of these activists who campaign against the steel flyover hardly use public transport,” said K Rajeshwari, a regular motorist on the stretch.

Another motorist, K Murali, said, “Most people protesting against this steel flyover are not from this area and they are not bothered about the traffic congestion. We are the people who suffer every day because of this magic box and increasing traffic congestion. I think the government should go ahead with steel bridge project, but with more transparency.”

Ashwin Mahesh, an urban expert, said, “We are not against underpasses or flyovers at congested junctions but we are opposing the proposed steel flyover from Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal flyover as there is no need for a long elevated flyover.” He said building a flyover will not reduce traffic congestion.
Express on September 22 reported that the Cauvery Junction magic box was reopened due to pressure from a minister who stays in Sadashivanagar.

Residents in Sadashivanagar, Malleswaram and Vyalikaval had to go up to Mekhri Circle and take a U-turn to reach Windsor Manor side after the closure of the magic box.Sources in traffic police department said they got an order from higher officials to reopen the magic box. “The re-opening has only multiplied traffic congestion. The number of vehicles going to the airport is higher than the vehicles coming from Sankey Tank side,” said a traffic police officer.  

The underpass, which was constructed in 2008 at a cost of `1.5 crore, was meant to reduce traffic on Ballari Road and benefit motorists going to the airport.