Days after the Outer Ring Road Companies’ Association (ORRCA) reminded it of its promise to fix broken roads and relay pothole-riddled stretches, the state government has finally approved a project to asphalt and fill up depressions and micro-surface the jagged edges on various stretches of the Outer Ring Road (ORR), now renamed as KC Reddy Road. However, motorists using the road to access several MNCs and tech parks have more cause for concern than cheer, as the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has set a nine-month deadline to wrap up the work, potentially leading to increased traffic congestion.
The BBMP has floated tenders worth Rs 7.5 crore to even out the depressions on the ORR and the jagged-up micro-surface of the flyovers. This move comes after repeated complaints from commuters and the ORRCA about the poor condition of the road.
The upcoming construction work is expected to disrupt the smooth flow of vehicular movement on the ORR, a vital lifeline for techies and commuters traveling to various MNCs and tech parks. With a nine-month time frame set for completion, concerns about increased traffic snarls and delays are mounting.
Manjula Aravind Limbavali, MLA of the Mahadevapura constituency, expressed gratitude for the project’s approval and assured citizens that the pending works would be completed as quickly as possible. However, her statement has done little to alleviate concerns among motorists and commuters, who fear prolonged disruptions and further traffic congestion.
The areas set to undergo the road improvement project include HSR Layout 14 Main Road, Agara, Sarjapur Road junction, Bellandur, Devarabisanahalli, Doddanekkundi, and Mahadevapura.
Addressing the concerns, a senior engineer from the traffic engineering cell division of major roads in BBMP explained that the standard practice is to asphalt roads once every five years. However, as part of this project, the BBMP will also resurface flyovers and use micro-surfacing to eliminate protruding or sharp edges. To minimize inconvenience to the public, all the work will be conducted during the night, and the quality and grade of bitumen used will be closely monitored.
While some citizens appreciate the effort to improve the road conditions, others remain skeptical due to the BBMP’s track record in completing civic works. Vivek Prabhu, a concerned citizen, commented, Nine months is a very long time! Vipin Aryan echoed the sentiment, noting, This shows the lackluster attitude of the personnel at the helm. Six to seven flyovers, each with a length of 300 to 400 meters, taking a leisurely nine months?
The project’s aim is to enhance the safety and convenience of commuters on the ORR, a crucial route for thousands of people traveling to and from work daily. The completion of this project will not only alleviate the frustration caused by broken roads and potholes but also contribute to a smoother commuting experience for Bengaluru residents.
In conclusion, while the approval of the project to asphalt and repair the ORR indicates progress, the nine-month timeline for completion has raised concerns among motorists and commuters. The BBMP must address these concerns and ensure timely and efficient execution to minimize disruptions and traffic congestion. As motorists brace themselves for potentially more traffic snarls, the completion of this project promises an improved commuting experience, reinforcing the importance of well-maintained roads for the city’s overall development.
