JP Nagar flyover demolition for Metro work to affect traffic

BENGALURU: Preparations are under way to demolish the JP Nagar flyover, constructed just eight years ago, which may lead to increased traffic congestion in the surrounding areas. The demolition will be carried to facilitate the construction of the Orange Line metro route from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura. The double-decker metro route will be built, and the existing flyover near Dollars Colony will be demolished to make way for it.

The flyover was constructed in 2018 at a cost of Rs 25 crore and was 1 km long, benefiting residents of Bannerghatta and Jayanagar by reducing traffic congestion in the area. However, its demolition may lead to traffic congestion in the JP Nagar and surrounding areas.

The metro route’s first tender includes JP Nagar 4th and 5th phases, Kadiraenahalli, and Kamakya Junction, including the Dollars Colony flyover. Some people suggest building an underpass for the metro to avoid traffic congestion, while others urge completing the work quickly, as it may take years, causing inconvenience to the public.

“The government only looks at its profits, not at public inconvenience. How many years does it take to complete the Metro work? The inner roads are so dirty with garbage piled up everywhere. Even drains are not cleaned. So many people will be inconvenienced by demolising the flyover. The work should be finished quickly, not in 10 years”, said a local resident.

Another resident, Shankar, however differed. “In the short term, we will face inconvenience, but the new one will be useful in the long run. We will have to suffer for three years, let us see what happens. If the cost does escalates, it will only become another money-making project for the government”.

The tender process is under way, and work is expected to begin within the next six months. The goal is to complete the project on time and minimise disruptions to the public. The public is concerned about the potential traffic chaos and hopes that the authorities will complete the project quickly and efficiently.