Bengaluru: Chief minister DK Shivakumar Monday hit out at opposition parties for criticising the proposed short tunnel and elevated corridor projects on Ballari Road, alleging that a section of people was being hired to oppose development initiatives taken up by Congress govt. He said projects aimed at easing traffic congestion were being opposed irrespective of whether govt opted for a tunnel road or an elevated corridor.During an inspection of the project site of the 1.6-km elevated corridor between UAS staff quarters and Mehkri Circle, Shivakumar said improving road connectivity is necessary to manage growing traffic. “Even if we take up a tunnel road, we face allegations and criticism. If we take up an elevated corridor, we face the same criticism. Some people are thinking negatively. For traffic movement, either a tunnel or a road project has to be taken up. Can we demolish buildings to create more road space?” he asked.Targeting BJP and JD(S), Shivakumar alleged that opposition parties are resisting projects simply because they are being implemented by Congress govt. “They (opposition) have hired a section of people to oppose every project we take up…. they cannot digest our development initiatives,” he said.The CM said Ballari Road stretch will not be completely blocked. However, goods vehicles will face restrictions during certain hours as work progresses. BDA will spend around Rs 9 crore to repair stretches connecting to Ballari Road, he added.The 1.6-km elevated corridor aims to improve traffic movement towards Hebbal and other parts of north Bengaluru. A multi-directional elevated rotary is proposed at Mehkri Circle, with down ramps towards Yeshwantpur and Jayamahal to facilitate movement in different directions.The project also involves dismantling the existing two overbridges at CBI Junction and Ganganagar. It is proposed to be integrated with B-Smile’s planned 28-km east-west elevated corridor. The combined cost of the short tunnel and elevated corridor is Rs 2,110 crore.
