Railway bridge closure on Bangalore University road frustrates motorists

Bengaluru: Thousands of motorists travelling between Mysuru Road and Outer Ring Road (ORR) through the Bangalore University (BU) campus had a harrowing time Thursday morning as the stretch was shut to place a steel girder at the railway underbridge (RUB).Motorists, who were caught in traffic snarls, had to take longer routes, triggering anger and frustration. The bridge was closed by the Bengaluru division of South Western Railway (SWR) Wednesday evening.
"This was perhaps the only proper way we could reach home faster. But now, since this route has been closed, we need to book an auto, which is expensive. The distance is also too much," said Ankita, a student of Don Bosco Institute of Technology. Traffic police said vehicles towards the university from Mysuru Road were diverted through a nearby level crossing while those moving towards Mysuru Road were forced to take UCPE Stadium Road. Narendra Kumar, a resident, said: "Even if the authorities promise to build a flyover, they can't do it because of non-feasibility. There is not much traffic here. On the other hand, if an ROB is built in Kengeri, it will benefit those travelling towards Jnanabharati."Motorists said they were being stopped from taking a right turn from the level crossing near Indian Statistical Institute, which adds to their inconvenience. With multiple railway crossings within the area being at-level ones, some motorists called for their conversion into ROBs. "There are too many level crossings here. I have seen several instances where vehicles break down in the middle of the road. It affects trains and motorists," a commuter said.As congestion remains severe, SWR said maintenance work will continue till Friday noon. "This was crucial work for the railways.We regret the inconvenience caused to the public," an official said.