A flyover that failed us

When public safety is compromised and hundreds of crores are wasted in civic projects which don’t last even a fraction of their intended operational period, one will have to conclude that there is something seriously wrong with the manner in which these projects are planned and built. The elevated Peenya flyover, a vital corridor to as many as 24 districts upto Bidar on one side and Udupi and Mangaluru on the other, is one such glaring example of how bureaucratic apathy can play havoc with the lives of gullible citizens.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai came up with the shocking statement that the quality of flyover construction was poor and only light motor vehicles could run on it, that too after clearance from experts. The fact that a crucial iron cable had become bent during load testing was enough of a warning that the safety of thousands of vehicle riders would be at stake if the flyover was kept open for traffic. And the proof that enough attention had not been devoted to quality aspects became clear during an inspection by Indian Institute of Science experts who felt it was not safe to allow heavy vehicles on the stretch. The CM himself disclosed that sub-standard material had been used during construction!

This brings us to the nagging question: Are enough tests and trials not conducted during the construction of such huge structures which sometimes takes several years? Or is this happening because of a nexus between the builder and those in government and civic agencies who often don’t mind looking the other way if someone quietly fills their pockets?

Some experts say that flyovers in the normal course should last at least 50 years.

The Peenya flyover is only 11 years old since it was opened in 2010 and in this short period, the connecting cables between two of its pillars have become dysfunctional. Though the flyover comes under the National Highways Authority of India with the state government not involved, who finally suffers if such a vital road link has to be shut down? With only service roads now available, the wait for motorists is sometimes excruciatingly long- as many as hours together.

There are even lives at stake with ambulances sometimes stuck in the traffic gridlock endangering the lives of patients. And what about the thousands of employees working in Peenya Industrial Estate for whom nothing is more worse than getting caught in a traffic jam after a day’s hard work?

Engineers have reportedly suggested a total reconstruction of the flyover for movement of heavy vehicles and it is obvious that a new project will have to be conceived. Huge funds will have to be allotted for one more flyover all because of lapses which could have been avoided if those in positions of power had been more circumspect and concerned about public welfare.

Bengalureans no doubt need better civic infrastructure and the only way we can secure what we deserve when public agencies fail us, is by being vigilant and vocal when the time demands it.