Varthur requires Metro transit, say Bengaluru residents as officials push for flyover

Bengaluru: What most residents of Varthur area want is a mass transit solution, but Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL) is moving forward with the construction of a flyover. Locals say Metro connectivity suits the area's growing population more than a flyover.

At present, KRDCL has taken up road-widening work on the SH-35 (state highway) from Varthur to Gunjur, covering 1.9km. The road will be expanded from 30 metres to 100 metres in width. Alongside this, the corporation has proposed building a flyover from Vinayaka Theatre to Varthur lake. However, residents are opposing the plan, questioning the need for a flyover over such a short stretch. While the total cost of the project is Rs 482 crore, around Rs 190 crore is being spent just on the flyover.

Although the chief secretary recently visited the site and asked officials to consider Metro connectivity, residents claim that despite the matter still being under discussion, pillars for the flyover have already started coming up near Varthur lake. They also allege that the work began before land acquisition was completed.

Residents say the project, aimed at easing traffic congestion, is flawed both technically and socially. One of the primary concerns is the lack of community engagement. "Not a single public consultation has been held. Stakeholders, including landowners, small traders, and displaced residents, have had no voice," rued a resident.

BMRCL has already proposed a feasibility study for a 68km Metro line running from Kalena Agrahara – Bannerghatta National Park – Jigani – Anekal – Attibele – Sarjapur – Varthur – Kadugodi Tree Park. The study is said to be completed.

Gangadhar BM, president of Varthur Nagararika Hita Rakshana Vedike, said: "The flyover is just for a very short stretch, but so much money is being spent. A lot of people commute through this stretch to reach IT parks. The road is filled with cars because of poor public transport. If we get a Metro instead of a flyover, it will be helpful — half of the traffic and pollution will be reduced. But I don't know who is making these plans. No govt officials or engineers are listening to us, nor are they using their brains."

"We are tired of writing letters, including to the chief minister, deputy chief minister, chief secretary, KRDCL, BBMP and BMRCL. We haven't received a single response. Now we can see the flyover works slowly starting, even without completing land acquisition... Such unplanned developments cannot be entertained."

Susheelamma N, the new MD of KRDCL, said: "There are a lot of hurdles and complications with land acquisition here. I have visited the area and will try to get things moving. I'm not sure about the Metro proposal as we didn't get any response from BMRCL about it. If the Metro comes on this stretch, we'll write to the govt and proceed accordingly."