CNR underpass to open soon

In a major relief to commuters stuck in long traffic jams and diversions to reach Malleswaram from Yeshwanthpur, the BBMP in the next 10 days is likely to open the CNR Rao underpass.

Sources in the Palike told Deccan Herald that the decision to open one ‘vent’ was taken after a spot inspection by the BBMP Commissioner, Siddaiah and the Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Praveen Sood last week. The move will ease the traffic from Yeshwanthpur side towards Maramma Junction and help motorists to cross into Malleswaram without taking a diversion. The underpass has been under scrutiny due to its persistent delay. The contractor, Madhava Hytech, who had bagged three more projects apart from the CNR Rao junction, including the Kadrenhalli underpass, has been already blacklisted. “Due to the project being undertaken under the JnNURM scheme, it could not be handed over to another contractor midway as the proposal of re-tender had to go to New Delhi as the re-tender proposal has to be approved by the Union government. This would have further delayed the completion,” said a Palike official, justifying that the project had to be completed by the same contractor. The underpass was proposed to ease the traffic flowing from Yeshwanthpur. The underpass splits into two vents one leading to Mekhri Circle and the other to Maramma Junction.