‘If it’s ready, open it’: Bengalureans miffed as red tape delays double-decker flyover opening

Bengaluru: Motorists hoping for relief from Central Silk Board traffic congestion will have to wait longer, as the 3.5km double-decker flyover between Silk Board and Ragigudda remains closed despite being ready. The delay is because of pending procedural clearances, with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) awaiting approval from the higher authorities.BMRCL officials said the ramp connecting Silk Board to Ragigudda Metro station will be opened only after the required protocols are followed. The flyover is expected to reduce travel time for those travelling from HSR Layout (Outer Ring Road) to BTM Layout, Jayanagar, and JP Nagar.BMRCL has constructed the flyover as part of the Yellow Line Metro project. In July 2024, the double-decker was partially opened from Ragigudda side to Silk Board for a length of 5km, which included ramps built over the Silk Board flyover. On public demand, motorists were allowed to use the road without any formal inauguration.Asked whether the flyover was waiting for a formal inauguration, a BMRCL official said, "These decisions are taken at the higher level." Sources said BMRCL is waiting for directions from the urban development department on the matter. Traffic police said once they receive communication on opening the road, a trial run will be conducted before allowing motorists to use it.Meanwhile, motorists said if the road is ready, it should be opened to the public without any further ado. Ravikumar, a commuter, said, "If the infrastructure is ready, they should not wait for VIPs to open it. I've been observing that the roads below the newly-built ramps are in bad shape, and motorists heading towards Hosur side are facing problems. The authorities should re-lay the roads to ensure smooth traffic flow towards Silk Board and Hosur Road."Congestion may just move elsewhereThe double-decker flyover may ease traffic at Silk Board junction, but congestion may shift to the Marenahalli Road stretch from Ragigudda to Banashankari, with roads connecting to this stretch bearing the brunt. A senior traffic cop said, "The double-decker flyover will help motorists avoid 4-5 traffic signals between BTM Layout and Ragigudda Metro station. During evening peak hours, more than 1.5 lakh vehicles pass through Central Silk Board, with the majority moving from HSR Layout side towards Ragigudda. All these vehicles will avoid traffic signals and directly reach Ragigudda, but this may result in congestion near the junction near Sri Raghavendraswamy Mutt. Managing traffic on this stretch will be a major challenge."Pedestrians at risk The lack of pedestrian pathways at Silk Board junction is posing risk to people who switch between Silk Board Metro station and BMTC bus stops on the Outer Ring Road. Manohar Raj, a public transport user, said, "After getting down at the Metro station, one has to walk at least 300 metres to reach the bus stand on the other side of Silk Board junction. Every day, thousands risk their lives crossing the road. Drainage works have been going on for months and show no signs of completion. There is an urgent need for safe pedestrian passage."During monsoon, waterlogging at the junction remains an issue. Garbage dumped into stormwater drains accumulates and blocks water flow near it. Major constructions near the junction have also affected the natural flow of rainwater.