BENGALURU: Bengalureans who commute via KR Puram can heave a sigh of relief as three projects are being taken up to decongest busy junctions in the area.
The projects are two railway over-bridges (ROBs) at Ramamurthy Nagar Main Road signal (near TC Palya Main Road) and Kaggadasapura railway crossing and a railway under-bridge (RUB) at Horamavu railway crossing. The projects are expected to cost a total of `75 crore.
Thousands of motorists spend a lot of time during peak hours at Ramamurthy Nagar signal, as the road connects East Bengaluru with the rest of the city. The existing narrow 37-year-old ROB causes traffic bottleneck.
The project involves construction of a new ROB and widening and renovation of the old one. This will help residents of Ramamurthy Nagar, Kallakere, TC Palya, Yeriyana Palya, ITI Colony, KR Puram and Devasandra.
A resident of the area spoke about the difficulties in crossing the junction, especially during rains. “The junction has become a motorist’s nightmare as thousands get stuck for over 30 minutes. Now, with the project having been sanctioned, we want the Railways and BDA to complete it within six months,” he added.
The `17crore project will be carried out by the Railways and the BDA. Lakshman Singh, Divisional Railway Manager (Works), said the design work for the project has begun and the on-site work is expected to start soon.
He said, “The portion of the project which the Railways has to do will take at least eight months to finish. The other portion, which involves ramps, will be done by the BDA.” As sum of `13.81 crore has been paid to the Railways by BDA for the project.
The project at Horamavu involves construction of an RUB between Channasandra and Yelahanka railway stations to connect Horamavu with ORR. Sources said the cost of the RUB being constructed by Railways is `8 crore. The cost of the approach roads, retaining wall and service roads to be constructed by BDA is `18 crore. The project is expected to be completed in 3-4 months.
The construction of a ROB at Kaggadasapura railway crossing is yet to begin. According to reports, acquisition of land by the BBMP is completed. The project will cost `32 crore, about two-thirds of which will be borne by the state government and the rest by the Railways.