Tenders for grade separator, subway at Jalahalli cross

In a huge relief to commuters negotiating non-stop traffic and congestion at the busy Jalahalli Cross, the Bruhath Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) plans to construct a grade separator.

The civic body has called for tenders to construct the grade separator along Subroto Mukherjee Road and Peenya Industrial Area road, across National Highway 4 (Tumakuru Road).

The BBMP has commissioned a detailed project report (DPR) conducted by consultants. The proposed project will cost approximately Rs 47 crore.

The civic body has called for tenders to construct the grade separator along Subroto Mukherjee Road and Peenya Industrial Area road, across National Highway 4 (Tumakuru Road).

“Jalahalli Cross is a junction where commuters and motorists are most severely affected especially during the peak hours. According to the consultants, a grade separator is necessary due to vehicle density, especially at peak hours,” said a BBMP official.

The civic body also plans to construct a pedestrian subway which will help commuters access the Metro station easily, without having to risk their lives crossing the road. Under this project, the BBMP will also construct much-needed bus bays, toilets, pedestrian facilities and drainage systems.

Subway to Metro station

Since the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) is yet to provide subways or skywalks for people from the ring road leading to Peenya, the BBMP has included a pedestrian subway in the project.

Hundreds of commuters put their lives at risk crossing the busy Tumakuru Road to reach Jalahalli Metro station. “The stretch is always busy and people have to cross the road to reach the Metro station. The subway will give an easy access to the Metro station and the two roads,” an official added.

Much needed: Cops

The Peenya traffic police welcomed the BBMP's move and said the grade separator will help lakhs of people who cross the road every day.

“During peak hours, there is a rush of people who work in industries across the road. Most of them don't wait for the signal as they are in a hurry to reach their offices. This leads to accidents,” said a traffic police official.

“The subway will help people reach the Metro station and other part of the roads. During the morning and evening peak hours, more than 5,000 people cross the road,” he added.

The police say the traffc is made up of buses and lorries and the stretch connects many parts of north Karnataka with the city.