CM Siddaramaiah laid foundation for flyover, says 'No compromise on city’s greenery'

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday laid the foundation stone for the much-hyped and delayed flyover between Kendriya Sadan and Ejipura Main Road.

“Commuters and motorists want good road infrastructure in the city. They do not want to waste time in commuting from one destination to the other. Our government, being a pro-people one, has been trying to improve infrastructure in the city by spending crores of rupees,’’ Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said.

The chief minister laid the foundation stone for the four-lane flyover and various developmental works to be taken up in BTM Assembly constituency at function held at Bethany School ground in Koramangala. Hundreds of residents and beneficiaries attended the function. “This flyover will be constructed from Kendria Sadan to Ejipura to ease traffic congestion in this area. It will be a signal-free flyover so the daily commuters don’t waste time while using this road,’’ the CM said.

The flyover is expected to cost Rs 204 crore. The commuters are expected to save 30 minutes of their travelling time when the flyover is thrown open for public. The construction of the flyover is expected to complete in 18 months. “The government plans to construct two steel flyovers at Shivananda Circle and Minerva Circle to Hudson Circle. The development of the city does not mean that we compromise on the city’s greenery,’’ he said.

Commenting on the recent protests against the construction of steel flyover near Shivananda Circle, he said the people have a misconception. “They feel that we cut down a number of trees. Infrastructure and greenery should go hand-in-hand. We have many new techniques where trees can be relocated at another location, and even if this method fails we can always plant more saplings,” he added.

White topping work of the entire BTM constituency (60 km) will take place as a part of the developmental works in that area and, asphalting of 300 km roads, along with other 458 developmental works will be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 545 crore.

Around 320 houses will be constructed for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and 120 houses for backward classes and minorities in BTM Assembly constituency. Eight Indira canteens are said to come up in the BTM constituency.