In response to a tragic incident where a woman drowned in a flooded underpass at KR Circle last year, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has undertaken measures to enhance safety in underpasses across the city during heavy rain.
With the aim of preventing similar accidents, the BBMP has initiated the marking of danger levels at all underpasses in Bengaluru. BBMP officials revealed that there are a total of 53 underpasses in the city, including 18 railway underpasses. In an effort to ensure safety, the civic body conducted a comprehensive safety audit of these underpasses under the supervision of its engineer-in-chief, BS Prahalad. Various measures have been implemented to mitigate the risk of vehicles getting submerged in underpasses during rainstorms. One such measure involves the marking of danger levels at heights ranging from 1.5 to 2 feet above the floor of the underpasses. Citizens are advised to take alternative routes if they do not observe these markings, thereby avoiding potential hazards. Additionally, the BBMP plans to install CCTV cameras at select underpasses to monitor water levels in real-time. In the event of flooding, Palike officials will be alerted and dispatched to the affected underpasses to assess the situation and take necessary action to alleviate the water level.
The tragic incident on May 21, 2023, where a woman lost her life in the KR Circle underpass, served as a catalyst for these safety enhancements. By proactively implementing measures such as danger markings and real-time monitoring systems, the BBMP aims to safeguard citizens and prevent future accidents during periods of heavy rainfall.
