Yogesh K Porwar
*Minister calls for integrated road,drainage and footpath development; Directs officials to ensure alternative routes during construction and scientifically redesign junctions.
Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has directed officials to expedite road and infrastructure development works along the Hennur–Bagalur Main Road stretch from the junction to Geddalahalli,with a focus on easing traffic congestion and improving road safety.
During an inspection of the ongoing works,the Minister emphasised that road development must go beyond laying roads to include efficient drainage systems,wider footpaths,safer pedestrian movement and infrastructure that ensures smoother traffic flow.
Krishna Byre Gowda directed officials to complete pending works in a planned and coordinated manner, minimise inconvenience to the public during construction and ensure that road development addresses the area’s wider mobility needs.
Drainage systems must function efficiently :
Reviewing the drainage infrastructure along Hennur–Bagalur Main Road,the Minister directed officials to ensure that drains function efficiently and rainwater flows freely, preventing waterlogging that inconveniences pedestrians and motorists.
He called for drainage upgrades to be planned alongside road development,with repairs and improvements undertaken wherever necessary to ensure that the infrastructure works as an integrated system.
Wider footpaths and safer pedestrian movement :
Emphasising pedestrian safety, the Minister directed officials to assess the available road space and prepare a suitable plan to widen footpaths wherever feasible. Damaged footpath slabs must be repaired to ensure safe,uninterrupted movement for pedestrians.
He stressed that road and footpath development must be coordinated to provide essential public infrastructure and make streets safer and more accessible.
Alternative routes to minimise disruption during construction :
The Minister instructed officials to ensure that ongoing roadworks do not unnecessarily disrupt public movement.
Alternative routes must be identified and appropriate traffic arrangements put in place for the duration of construction.
He called on the departments concerned to coordinate closely,prevent traffic bottlenecks around work sites and minimise inconvenience to commuters.
Scientific redesign of junctions to improve traffic flow :
Directing officials to address congestion at key junctions along the stretch,the Minister called for scientifically planned improvements based on local road conditions and traffic volume.
He said junction-specific solutions, including improvements to road design and supporting infrastructure,must be developed to facilitate smoother vehicle movement and address the specific traffic challenges at each location.
Expedite land acquisition and handover :
The Minister directed officials to review land requirements and pending land acquisition processes associated with road development and expedite the necessary procedures.
He called for better coordination among the concerned authorities to ensure that land acquisition and handover delays do not impede the implementation of development works.
White-topping must be part of an integrated infrastructure plan :
The Minister instructed officials to take a comprehensive approach to white-topping works,factoring in necessary road widening,road design improvements and supporting infrastructure.
Drainage systems,footpaths and other essential amenities must be planned alongside road construction.
He also stressed the need for coordination between departments to avoid repeated excavation and duplication of works,while maintaining construction quality and adhering to the planned execution schedule.
The inspection was attended by Byarathi Basavaraj,MLA representing the KR Puram Assembly constituency;M. Maheshwar Rao,Chief Commissioner,Greater Bengaluru Authority;D.S.Ramesh,
