Second loop of Hebbal flyover inaugurated

Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru City Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday inaugurated the second loop of the Hebbal flyover, which is aimed at easing traffic congestion for commuters travelling from the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and the northern parts of the city.

Mr. Shivakumar said people in the area had been complaining about severe traffic congestion near the Hebbal junction. “We found a solution quickly and have relieved traffic congestion by opening the second loop; the move would ensure smoother traffic flow,” he said.

GBA elections

The Deputy Chief minister also said that all local body elections, including those to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) corporations, would be held this year. Bengaluru did not have an elected council for the more than five years..  

Detailing other infrastructure initiatives, Mr. Shivakumar said the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), which is entering its 50th year, has taken up several projects. He said that land was being acquired from farmers for the proposed 120-km-long Bengaluru Business Corridor (BBC), under which farmers would be given 35% of the developed commercial land as compensation, along with monetary compensation and provisions for developing small townships.

He added that a short tunnel road would come up in the area in the coming days, and a flyover near Mehkri Circle would be built in three phases. Plans are also under way to build an elevated corridor connecting Tumakuru Road to K.R. Puram, forming a new Outer Ring Road, he said.

Mr. Shivakumar further said that in his 35 years in politics, such large-scale programmes had not been undertaken for the city. Even the Prime Minister had praised Bengaluru during a recent visit, he said, adding that despite the Centre not providing funds, the State government had taken the initiative to give the city a new look.

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