Byappanahalli remains a commuter's nightmare owing to hurdles in completion of an overbridge; land acquisition mired in dispute.
When the South Western Railway (SWR) and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) announced the construction of a railway overbridge at Byappanahalli level cross last year, thousands of commuters heaved a sigh of relief. However, with only about 40% of the project, which was scheduled to be finished by October, complete, the miseries of the road users seem to be far from over. With over 50 trains passing through the level crossing every day, it has become inevitable for the railway staff to close the gate frequently, thus posing a risk to motorists crossing the level crossing. One has to wait for over 20 minutes to cross the level cross during peak hours.
The SWR and the BBMP had agreed to construct the overbridge, which was estimated to cost Rs23.53 crore, on sharing basis. Though the project has surpassed its deadline, 60% of it is still pending as the authorities concerned have failed to acquire 2.5 acres of land needed for the project from the Madras Engineers Group and Centre located near the construction site.
“We were so happy when the construction work commenced. They completed a portion of the bridge over the railway lines. The work on the remaining portion is progressing at snail’s pace,’’ said N Ramakrishna from Byappanahalli.
According to sources, the military officials objected to the railway authorities going ahead with the construction work on the Old Madras Road side.
“They are not allowing us to even use the existing road for the construction of a ramp to connect the railway overbridge from Old Madras Road side. They are claiming the road, which was asphalted by the BBMP and has been used by public for many years, belongs to them,’’ said a senior railway officer.
Last week, mayor BS Satyanrayana, MLA Raghu and some corporators, accompanied by officials from the railways and the BBMP, met the military officials and requested them to facilitate the construction of the ramp and handover the required land for it. “We need two-and-half acres of land for the construction of the ramp and also widening the existing road,’’ said V Haribabu, senior divisional engineer, SWR.
Satyanarayana said the military officials want the BBMP to extend the lease of the land near Ulsoor Lake. As of now, the land is being used by the MEG and Centre for training its personnel.
“The BBMP delegation would meet chief minister Siddaramaiah to discuss the land issue with Union minister for defence AK Anthony. A BBMP delegation met the defence minister last year, but nothing happened till now. We will meet him again,’’ said the mayor.
What has been done so far?
Pier work to the main portion of the bridge and the approach on Byappanahalli side (within railway boundary).
Work on the approach ramp from Byappanahalli side is in progress.
Why the delay?
The land acquisition survey work by deputy commissioner (land acquisition).
Work on the approach ramp from Old Madras Road side has been stopped owing to land dispute with defence authorities.
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