BENGALURU: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday inspected the Mehkri-Hebbal Integrated Corridor project site and directed officials to take necessary measures to ensure that motorists do not face undue inconvenience during the execution of the project.
Traffic is a concern during any development project in the city, he said. “The BDA must make adequate arrangements through alternative roads to facilitate smooth traffic movement,” he said, and directed Traffic Police to regularly share daily traffic updates with citizens and take all necessary measures to ensure smooth and hassle-free traffic movement. “There should be effective coordination between BDA and Traffic Police to minimize inconvenience to the public and ensure smooth implementation of the project,” he said.
Speaking about the proposed elevated corridor and tunnel road project near Mehkri Circle, he stated that to resolve Bengaluru’s traffic congestion, alternative routes must be created. “We either have to build elevated roads or construct underground tunnels. Can we widen roads by demolishing buildings?”
Shivakumar also stated that he had appealed to the Defence Minister to grant land at the corner of Mehkri Circle, which if available, would help bring in a major change in the traffic system. A rotary circle and ring system will be designed in the model of a circle within a circle.
Provision will be made so that those heading left can go left, and those heading right can go right, without any hiccups. Along with providing space for traffic on the upper level, tunnel roads will also be utilized where necessary,” he explained.
He also assured that traffic will not be completely halted at any point during the execution of the work. “During construction, only certain large vehicles and cargo vehicles will be temporarily restricted at specific times. Movement of other vehicles will not be stopped,” he clarified. Alternative roads are being developed so that the public is not inconvenienced by the construction work, which will cost approximately Rs 9 crore. The BDA is already preparing to undertake the development of surrounding connecting roads.
Alternative plan for Lalbagh tunnel?
In the backdrop of protests and criticism over the tunnel road plan, with an entry and exit ramp at Lalbagh, the CM said, “Recently, while travelling by helicopter, I inspected the location for the tunnel road project. Near Lalbagh, where the tunnel road passes, there is a large crater, and a variation between the rocky area and the point where the tunnel exits. In the light of this, officials have been directed to find an alternative plan so that no issues arise,” he stated.