Bengaluru’s infrastructure development faces setbacks as labour shortages and heavy rainfall impede progress on the construction of an additional ramp at the Hebbal flyover. With a December deadline looming, the delay poses challenges for commuters and authorities alike.
The additional ramp, intended for vehicles entering the city from the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) side and the service road of the KIA Road flyover, is a critical project undertaken by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). However, labour scarcity and adverse weather conditions have hindered the construction efforts, raising concerns about meeting the project’s timeline. Currently, the BDA is constructing the ramp from the Baptist Hospital side while simultaneously working on a temporary road in the tree park to accommodate vehicles from the service road on the Esteem Mall side. However, heavy rains have flooded the construction site, further complicating the situation.
The ongoing construction work has necessitated the closure of the existing ramp used by vehicles from the KR Pura side to enter the city. Consequently, the junction witnesses severe congestion as motorists from the Nagawara side are forced to take a detour to Kodigehalli Gate before accessing the service road, resulting in extended travel times and increased traffic congestion.
Acknowledging the challenges, a BDA official cited the delayed return of workers who went to their hometowns for voting as a significant factor contributing to the project’s slowdown. Despite directives to expedite the work, the labour shortage continues to impede progress. Plans to address the situation include the construction of sidewalls before laying the temporary road, followed by drainage of rainwater. Once completed, the temporary road will facilitate the construction of pillars for the new ramp, albeit with additional challenges posed by the presence of nearby advertisement hoardings.
Moreover, the BDA awaits clearance from the South Western Railway (SWR) for building a railway overbridge (RoB) as part of the additional ramp construction. SWR’s objections regarding the design approval and future track expansion further complicate the project’s execution. Despite these hurdles, BDA remains committed to completing the project, with plans in place to navigate the challenges posed by labour shortages, adverse weather, and regulatory approvals.
