Bengaluru: The construction of a crucial railway over-bridge (ROB) near Carmelaram railway station has hit a roadblock, causing significant inconvenience to motorists and residents navigating between Gunjur Main Road and Sarjapur Main Road.
The Carmelaram-Gunjur Road closure, necessitated by the ongoing project, has exacerbated traffic congestion and delays, highlighting the challenges posed by delayed infrastructure development. Despite the project’s approval in January 2023 and construction commencement in June of the same year, progress has been sluggish due to the Bangalore Bruhat Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) failure to expedite land acquisition processes. The incomplete land acquisition has hindered construction efforts, frustrating commuters who expected timely completion of the vital transportation link. While an alternative route exists, commuters lament the substandard conditions of the partially asphalted road, which connects traffic from Doddakallasandra to Gunjur and facilitates movement between Gunjur and Sarjapur. However, the lack of proper infrastructure, including the absence of a U-turn provision for vehicles exiting onto Sarjapur Road, has rendered the area accident-prone and unsafe for commuters.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the project’s sluggish progress, a Gunjur resident voiced concerns over the apparent halt in construction activities. Despite initial assurances of an 18-month completion timeline, the lack of visible progress at the construction site has raised doubts about the project’s timely conclusion. The Carmelaram ROB project’s delay underscores the pressing need for effective project management and streamlined administrative processes in urban infrastructure development. As Bengaluru continues to grapple with burgeoning traffic demands and infrastructure deficiencies, addressing delays in critical projects like the Carmelaram ROB is essential to alleviate congestion and enhance commuter safety.
Local authorities must prioritise resolving land acquisition issues and accelerating construction efforts to ensure the timely completion of the Carmelaram ROB. Transparent communication and proactive measures are necessary to mitigate the adverse impacts of construction delays and uphold public trust in infrastructure development initiatives.
