BENGALURU: In a big relief to Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE), which is monitoring the ongoing works of the 2.5-km stretch of Ejipura flyover connecting South East Bengaluru to Bengaluru East and other parts with ease, the management of St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences has given nod to erecting five piers (pillars) on its premises, which is crucial for the completion of the project.
According to Raghavendra Prasad, Chief Engineer, B-SMILE, Minister Ramalinga Reddy and GBA officials were able to take the St. John’s authorities into confidence. “They are also willing to coordinate. We have to mark the area for piers, and with these developments, we can finish the project by June 30,” Prasad said.
The official further added that the 2.38-km-long flyover on Ejipura Main Road has a total of 762 segments to be cast for the flyover, out of which 645 segments have already been cast. The remaining 117 segments are yet to be cast. So far, 490 segments have already been erected.
Meanwhile Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) M Maheshwar Rao instructed officials to mark the required land at St. John’s and immediately begin work to install five portal piers for the Ejipura flyover.
After a meeting with officials from the traffic police department and St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences regarding the Ejipura flyover project, he said, “The construction of the Ejipura flyover is currently progressing at a fast pace.
On the left side, while moving from Kendriya Sadan towards Ejipura, a small portion of land belonging to St. John’s is required to install five portal piers. The portal piers need to be constructed along the footpath and adjoining the compound wall of St. John’s. In this regard, discussions were held with the St. John’s management, who have agreed to permit the use of the required land.
Accordingly, the engineers and contractors are instructed to mark the area and commence the work immediately,” he said. He added that barricades would be installed as a safety measure while the work on the five portal piers is in progress. Further, space should be provided for storing construction materials until the work is completed, and the compound wall should be reconstructed immediately after the completion of the work.
Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that, the benefit for the public through this project was explained to St John’s authorities and they were convinced. “Once completed, the traffic from Koramangala, Madiwala, Jakkasandra, and the surroundings will be eased to a great extent,” said Reddy.
Fr. Jesudoss Rajamanicam, Director of the institution, said the institution has always supported and extended its cooperation with the government whenever it takes a public project that involves the welfare of all. “Whatever can be done keeping the legal framework intact will always be supported by us,” said the director.