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Devesh, thanks for the insider report. Who was discussing this and where is not as important. it suffices to assume some influential people met and discussed. Whoever. But tell me this, was there any analysis of - why this intervention, is this needed, what are the alternatives etc etc... there has to be a nice concise phrase for this, being unschooled in these i dunno that phrase, but i am pretty sure asking basic questions like this is norm for rational decision making. also did anybody ask, why elevated only till yelahanka? what happens at yelahanka? p+n lane traffic upto YEL. then what? beyond YEL are there going to be upgradations so that atleast p+(n-k), for a value of k greater than 0 but less than n exists?

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I just returned from a meeting (sorry cannot disclose details), and do not have encouraging news on the elevated road on NH-7 from Hebbal to Yelanhanka.

The construction will actually commence a minimum 6 months from now, if we are lucky, but more likely April 2009.The project will run about 24 months, but more enlightened Prajagale with BETL experience will be able to contribute to this post with realistic expectations.

The construction will eat up 75% of the existing 3 lane road. To keep up with even part of the capacity, service lanes will have to be fully developed and strengthened to act as the highway. For this land needs to be acquired. Many parts of the highway do not have service lanes due to existing lack of land, and I am told there are villages including a temple which obstructs the service lane requirements. How is NHAI going to shift a temple is beyond me. May be CRPF from Srinagar will have to be deployed.

From the existing 60 meters (6 + 2 lanes) the plan is to provide for 8 + 4 (almost 100 meters). Commence with one service lane and provide for the second on each side. Not clear if the 4th highway lane will be constructed right away or just provided for. On the top will be a 6 lane highway.

All the utilities will have to be shifted to beyond the expected boundaries of the expanded road, and for this too land will have to be acquired. Some of the land is under the control of BSF and this requires interaction with the wonderfully efficient folks at Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi, and we all know how concerned they are with Bangalore's development.

Going by past experience, Government in their rush will commence the project without the side lanes, and I fear we are heading to a Hosur Road shamble once again.

And lest we forget, we have a small show coming up in Feb 2009 called Aero India.

With regards to the NICE road being extended beyond NH4 to touch NH, I was advised by a senior officer, to file a PIL, to force the government to get the road completed fast and also to extend connectivity to NH-7.

The folks at BIAL are cooperating with BMTC and visibility for the VV service will increase. Just as things are falling in place, the road will be in a mess. Hopefully SH104 (Bagalur Road) will be completed before that.

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Regards

Devesh R. Agarwal

Visit my aviation blog at http://aviation.deveshagarwal.com

 

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It seems to me that this whole project of building an elevated highway from Hebbal to Yelahanka is just another bit of insanity on the part of the BBMP. The traffic on that stretch is not so bad - all that is necessary is a few underpasses for traffic - at Kodigehalli and Bytarayanapura - and several pedestrian crossings at various points. And an overbridge at Yelahanka. Spending 100s of crores is not really necessary. To prevent pedestrians from crossing they need to make provisions for that and make a significant barrier in the middle of the road. People are less willing to try their luck at crossing if they run the risk of getting run over in the middle - as things stand now there is a safe zone in the middle. The BBMPs current barriers are completely ineffective - like trying to carry water in a netted bag.

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I am usually against these mega road projects.  But on this one, I think I support it - BUT - they need to make a plan for Hebbal Flyover. 

There is too much risk to pedestrians as there are hevaily populated areas on either side of the road.  I also expect a fair bit of real estate development upto Yelahanka. 

Srivathsa

 

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Saw this in the Hindu

http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/27/stories/2008082753850400.htm

NHAI draws up plan for two more elevated roads

T.S. Ranganna

They will connect four major flyovers in Bangalore

 

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One expressway will link Hosur Road flyover and Hebbal flyover on NH 7 The other will connect Krishnarajapuram flyover to Nelamangala flyover on NH 4

Srivathsa

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