BENGALURU (Metro Rail & Steel): In an initiative to alleviate traffic congestion at the bustling Central Silk Board junction, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has expedited the construction of vital ramps as part of the ongoing Yellow Line corridor development. The anticipated modifications, aimed at reducing gridlocks, are expected to offer some respite to commuters early next year.
The Yellow Line’s expansion from RV Road to Bommasandra may lack a definitive timeline, but BMRCL assures progress in curbing traffic woes at the Silk Board junction. As per BMRCL officials, among the five ramps being constructed around the Silk Board flyover, three ramps are slated for completion by February 2024.
Highlighting the construction endeavors, a BMRCL official emphasized, “The work on these ramps is progressing steadily, focusing on connecting the double-decker flyover to ORR and Hosur Road. We’re working closely with traffic authorities to minimize disruptions during these crucial enhancements.”
Elaborating further on the intricate construction process, the official stated, “A significant aspect involves constructing four spans, each spanning 100 meters in a U-shape. The upcoming month of January will witness the construction of these solid slabs, requiring an uninterrupted 48-hour stretch to pour approximately 2,320 cubic meters of concrete using 390 trucks sourced from two concrete plants at Agara and Lakkasandra.”
The ambitious endeavor comes at a cost of Rs 150 crore, aimed at decongesting the Silk Board junction. With a total ramp length of 3.4 kilometers and 106 piers underway, the infrastructural augmentation aims to alleviate traffic woes significantly.
Addressing queries regarding the opposite-direction ramps, the BMRCL official affirmed, “The completion of ramps facilitating travel from the HSR Layout side to the double-decker flyover, heading towards Ragi Gudda and BTM Layout, is anticipated by September 2024. Given the area’s traffic density, meticulous planning in coordination with traffic authorities remains paramount.”
Moreover, as part of the Blue Line’s expansion from Silk Board to Kempegowda International Airport, BMRCL is orchestrating the construction of a Metro station. Plans include proposals for interlinking the Silk Board stations of both Yellow and Blue Lines using travelators. Additionally, BMRCL has acquired two acres of land near Central Silk Board to develop multi-storey parking facilities, aimed at seamless integration with the BMTC bus stand, further enhancing commuters’ convenience.
