Latest news with #NammaMetroPhase3
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
J.P. Nagar residents raise red flag over Metro Phase 3 double-decker flyover alignment
Residents of J.P. Nagar have raised serious concerns about the proposed double-decker flyover under Namma Metro Phase 3, warning that its alignment could worsen traffic congestion near the already-busy Vega City Mall junction on Bannerghatta Road. The flyover, part of Corridor 1 from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura, is set to land just 130 metres away from the Vega City Mall signal, a move locals believe could lead to severe gridlock. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), which has already begun land acquisition for the 32.15-km Corridor 1, has proposed a signal-free flyover as part of the metro alignment. While residents have welcomed the project's potential to decongest the city, they say the current design needs urgent revision. 'The problem is not with the metro but where the flyover ends. Ending it so close to the Vega City Mall signal will only shift the bottleneck, not eliminate it. We have already written to BMRCL and met our area's elected representative in March to highlight this issue,' a resident of J.P. Nagar 3rd Phase, who doesn't want to be named, told The Hindu. He further explained, 'We residents of J.P. Nagar have shared our concerns, particularly about the ramp landing close to the junction. Adding ramps and expanding roads are not long-term solutions. They simply displace traffic rather than reduce it. We've urged BMRCL and BBMP officials to conduct detailed traffic simulation studies before finalising the alignment.' Residents seek shift in flyover landing The J.P. Nagar 4th Phase Dollars Layout Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) has also formally communicated its apprehensions to BMRCL. In a letter, the association noted: 'We wholeheartedly welcome Namma Metro Phase 3, recognising its potential to ease Bengaluru's traffic woes. However, the proposed 32-km signal-free double-decker corridor is expected to funnel traffic from Hebbal and Tumakuru Road directly to an area barely 130 metres from the J.D. Mara signal and the Vega City Mall. This could create massive congestion and spillover effects into nearby residential areas, impacting local schools, hospitals, businesses, and residents.' To mitigate these risks, the RWA has suggested a shift in the alignment. 'A constructive alternative, unanimously resolved by residents, is to have the flyover land before the Kanakapura Road signal. This would create a 2.5 km buffer zone for better traffic dispersal and improve connectivity to the Silk Board flyover near Raghavendra Swamy Temple. Such a change would serve the project's goals while minimising disruption to sensitive residential zones, including the 15th Cross area,' the letter stated. Meanwhile, residents say their appeals remain unanswered. 'Despite a series of meetings with BMRCL officials, the latest one being on May 12, there has been no concrete response from their side. We want development, but it must be thoughtful and sustainable. This project, if not planned properly, will turn Vega City junction into another nightmare for commuters.' When The Hindu contacted BMRCL officials have not responded to the concerns raised by residents. A senior official said the matter is still under review. All about Namma Metro Phase 3. Corridor 1, which will also feature major interchange stations at JP Nagar and Peenya (on the Green Line), Mysuru Road (on the Purple Line), and Sumanahalli (on the Hosahalli–Kadabagere Corridor 2), aims to expand the reach of Bengaluru's metro network. JP Nagar Phase 4 will also be linked to the Pink Line at Bannerghatta Road, while Hebbal will function as a key interchange connecting the Blue Line (to the airport) and the Red Line (to Sarjapur). Phase 3, also referred to as the Orange Line, will be fully elevated and is expected to serve underserved areas along Magadi Road and the western portion of the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Once completed in 2029, it is projected to accommodate 7.85 lakh daily commuters, extending the city's metro network to 222.2 km. While the project has received all mandatory approvals, including a Union Cabinet nod in August 2024, officials admit that design adjustments required for the double-decker viaduct have delayed the construction timeline.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
DK Shivakumar proposes dedicated flyover from Hebbal to Bengaluru airport, writes to Nitin Gadkari
Bengaluru may soon get a dedicated elevated flyover connecting Hebbal Junction to Kempegowda International Airport, as Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has pitched the ambitious proposal to the Union government. In a letter addressed to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Shivakumar underlined the urgent need for seamless connectivity to the rapidly growing international airport. Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar. Also Read - Karnataka government to act on Centre's advisory amid tensions with Pakistan 'The 35-km corridor from Hebbal to the airport is choked with traffic due to rising industrial activity and the emergence of commercial hubs. Although there is an existing elevated road, its efficiency is compromised by traffic signals and pedestrian crossings,' Shivakumar wrote. He added that a signal-free, dedicated flyover would drastically cut travel time for airport passengers, industrial freight vehicles, and daily commuters. The proposal comes amid increasing concerns about Bengaluru's traffic woes, especially on arterial routes leading to the airport. Shivakumar emphasised that the new flyover could serve as a critical lifeline for the city's mobility, given the surging passenger numbers and airport expansion plans. Crucial meetings in New Delhi Apart from this, the Deputy Chief Minister urged the Centre to expedite work on other critical road and metro infrastructure. He called for the widening of the Bengaluru–Kanakapura highway into a six-lane road and demanded the completion of a 7-km stretch that connects the toll plaza at Kaggalipura on the city's outskirts. Also Read - Newly appointed BBMP chief launches drive to fix Bengaluru footpaths, prioritise pedestrian safety Raising concerns over long-standing compensation issues, Shivakumar pressed the Centre to release funds for families affected by land acquisition for the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR). Despite construction beginning in 2009, many landowners along the Dobbspet–Magadi–Ramanagara–Harohalli route are still awaiting compensation. One of the most ambitious proposals discussed was the construction of a 60-km tunnel road to link Bengaluru's east-west and north-south corridors. Estimated to cost ₹ 30,000 crore — about ₹ 500 crore per kilometre — the tunnel would connect NH-7 and NH-4, offering a potential gamechanger in tackling the city's chronic traffic bottlenecks. Shivakumar sought financial backing from the Union government to enable the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to implement the tunnel project in partnership with the state. In addition, Shivakumar met Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to discuss the progress and future plans of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. He urged the Centre to clear the proposed 44.65 km stretch under Namma Metro Phase 3. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is also being prepared for another 37 km of expansion, which is expected to boost mass transit in the city significantly.
