Time for real test: DKS takes first ride on BTM flyover

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: After a long wait and continuous demands from commuters, the double decker flyover connecting Ragigudda and Central Silk Board in Bengaluru, saw a trial run led by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar conducted successfully on Wednesday.

The 3.36 kilometre long flyover, running parallel to a stretch of the Yellow Line, is South India’s first flyover of its kind. Constructed by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) at a cost of Rs 449 crore, only one side of the flyover will be open for vehicular movement, officials said.

The signal-free corridor aims to curb traffic snarls at Central Silk Board Junction, known for being the butt-end of jokes on Bengaluru traffic.

Five ramps, connecting South Bengaluru to Electronic City, HSR Layout and Mahadevapura are being constructed. Ramp A, B and C, connecting Ragigudda to Hosur Road and HSR Layout are fully constructed, while Ramp B and D, connecting HSR Layout and the Outer Ring Road to Ragigudda will be ready by May next year.

Ramp A connects Ragigudda metro station to Hosur Road. Branching from Branch A is Ramp B, which will connect HSR Layout from Ragigudda.

Ramp C starts from BTM Layout and connects Hosur Road and HSR Layout. Ramp D will run above A, B, and C connecting HSR Layout and Ragigudda, while Ramp E is a down ramp from HSR Layout towards BTM Layout. Officials have assured that the works will not hamper traffic flow.

The flyover benefits those going towards Electronics City and ORR, home to a lot of IT firms, without having to wait at Silk Board Junction.

Traffic officials have given the clearance for the flyover, which means the waiting time to cross Silk Board will only be five minutes, from 30-45 minutes.

Shivakumar lauded the BMRCL’s effort in making the double-decker flyover a reality. “At Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting with the CM, an approval for double-decker flyovers in upcoming elevated metro-corridors is on the cards,” he told the media.