Magic box to tragic box: BDA to rectify Belgaluru civic body's blunders

Bengaluru: The BBMP’s magic box, perceived to be a quick-fix solution to city’s increasing traffic woes, has turned out to be a tragic box, with the Bangalore Development Authority planning to demolish them on Bellary road, which leads to the Kempegowda International Airport, and build an elevated corridor.

The BDA is planning the elevated corridor from Chalukya Circle to Hebbal flyover at a cost of Rs 1,300 crore to provide seamless traffic to North Bengaluru and also to connect KIAL.

The magic box underpasses, constructed using pre-cast elements at the Cauvery theatre junction near the BDA head office and Sanjaynagar, are likely to be demolished as they will become redundant once the elevated flyover comes up. Experts feel that the poorly executed magic boxes were criminal waste of tax-payers' money.

The proposed flyover will be taken over the Windsor Manor and railway bridge. The BDA has already prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) with the help of Stup Consultants. It was formally approved by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after a presentation was made by the BDA engineering wing.

“Chalukya Circle will have four layers of flyover to make it signal-free. One layer will be the underpass (minus one level) and three other layers above. It will not be a toll way as no stretch within the city limits can be made toll road,” sources said.

The project will be completed within three years of commencement. BDA sources said that a decision to bring down the pre-cast flyovers and underpasses will be taken shortly. The pre-cast elements will be used elsewhere, they added.

Funding: Since the BDA is spending money for the project, it will be brought under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Mission (JNNURM), sources said.