The Bengaluru Ward One campaign was launched on November 1 across 43 wards in five city corporations, with the Central Silk Board junction selected for a package of traffic, drainage, sanitation, beautification and public-amenity works.
Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda inaugurated the campaign at the junction by painting the pillars of the flyover. He said steps were being taken for the comprehensive development of Central Silk Board and that a permanent plan would be prepared for the area.
The campaign will prioritise improvements at major junctions, including smoother traffic movement and better use of spaces below flyovers. According to the minister, cleaning and beautification works will be undertaken below the flyover, with seating and facilities for recreation planned for citizens.
The proposed changes include developing vacant land beside the stormwater drain as an island-style public space, with seating and shade. Officials were also instructed to install brush concrete in sections with exposed soil to improve cleanliness. A public toilet is to be planned at the junction, which is used daily by thousands of commuters.
A steel grid has been proposed over the stormwater drain on the route from Electronic City towards BTM Layout. The measure is intended to support smoother vehicle movement and facilitate a free-left turn. The area below the flyover is also being fitted with kerb stones and seating, while a throwball court is under construction. Officials have been asked to provide facilities for table tennis and other activities as well.
Drainage is another component of the proposed works. To address problems reported during rainfall on the stretch from Central Silk Board towards HSR Layout, white-topping work is being undertaken by B-SMILE. The minister directed officials to take steps for constructing a new drain alongside the roadwork.
The works also involve cooperation between civic bodies, a corporate social responsibility initiative and a non-governmental organisation. The South Bengaluru city corporation is participating in the development of the area, while CGI is supporting the project under its CSR initiative. India Rising Trust has designed and implemented the Mysuru Silk concept for the space below the flyover and has previously developed more than five flyover-under areas, according to the minister.
The Ward One campaign is being conducted across 43 wards in five city corporations from November 1. At Central Silk Board, the announced interventions combine traffic management, stormwater drainage, cleanliness, public toilets, seating and recreational facilities. The next steps are the preparation of a permanent development plan for the junction and implementation of the proposed civic works.
