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Signal Free Corridor projects - need scrutiny (updated)
Written By silkboard - 1 June, 2010
Bangalore BBMP BDA ORR Road Works Corridors Analysis Airport Road Signal Free Transportation Infrastructure Magadi Road Rajkumar Road
Vinay S, an active member at Hasiru Usiru has obtained detailed information from BBMP on upcoming signal free corridor projects. Many people think that the project(s) need some serious scrutiny for the returns they promise on investments. Its one thing to make a relatively new road like Outer ring road into a signal free corridor, and another to talk about turning more than half dozen radial roads signal free without a clear plan for each and every interesction that lies on the way, or more important, without commensurate or alternate investments on public transport (like priority lanes for Big10 routes). Many feel that without such clarity, these corridor projects may end up being "bottleneck shifting" or "more parking space for free" projects.
Vinay has promised to mail over all documents he has obtained (will upload them here as soon as I get hold of them). We may need to scan and upload some sketches as well.
BTW, use google/yahoo map and check out San Francisco, supposedly an official "sister-city" of Bangalore. Take a look and tell us all how many signal free corridors you find criss-crossing that city . Not many, and not even to zip through the heart of this city in a very car friendly state.
COMMENTS
idontspam - 1 June, 2010 - 17:10
I think any road with trees on it is a corridor for BBMP.
I wouldnt worry if they did it properly. But they bring disrepute and shame to engineers and the profession of traffic engineering. Maybe they are waiting for IRC guidelines to be translated to Kannada
Uploaded - Old Airport Road, Magadi Road
silkboard - 1 June, 2010 - 17:31
Was wondering if this should be put up on a wiki instead. But anyway, here are the DPRs for Old Airport Road and Magadi Road. More on their way.
silkboard - 1 June, 2010 - 18:00
Okay, 2 more uploaded - Mysore Road to CSB, and Rajkumar road.
Let us explore lobby wobby angles later. First see these on their own technical merits, is the plan solid? will the corridors help de-congest? potential for public transport push - priority lanes for buses?
Pedestrian crossing facilities?
s_yajaman - 1 June, 2010 - 18:04
Glanced through the Old Airport Rd DPR. Could not find mention of how many pedestrian crossings will be put up along this corridor. If this is signal free, I would think not more than 500-600 m between pedestrian overpasses (or 250-300 mts max walk to the nearest overpass).
No data on current average speed during peak hours along this corridor. Many of the junctions will mean land dealings with the army. Not sure how they will manage that.
Can see the pre-cast boxes back in action. 225 days/underpass and 410 days/flyover. I can see that this corridor is going to be a mess for the next 3-4 years and if our Puttenahalli underpass is any indicator then double it.
Srivathsa
nl.srinivas - 1 June, 2010 - 10:49
I strongly suspect a contractor's lobby behind all these road widening and signal free corridor projects. After all, the corporators have spent good amount of money in the elections.
BBMP till today has not come up with any studies before implementing any of the projects. Is there no way to question the way BBMP goes about doing it's work?
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