2 weeks Ago
The downramp from the masjid to the hospital has seen steady progress, with 16 spans already in place. The much-awaited elevated loop at Bengaluru’s Hebbal Junction being built by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is inching closer to completion. With the original April-end deadline looming, officials are now aiming to open the ramp to the public by mid-May, as per Deccan Herald.
While there’s optimism surrounding the project, much work remains to be done. Having said that, even though many pillars have been erected, there are still noticeable gaps, especially above the railway line. The construction process has been messy, with piles of metal blocks and dust scattered all over the site.
Pedestrians and drivers alike have been facing difficulties as they navigate through the construction zone, with many expressing frustration over the daily dust and noise. The downramp from the masjid to the hospital is already concretised, with 16 spans joined. Two more spans — one 38 metres and another 17 metres long — still need to be built over the railway line.
Seven spans are planned after the railway line, out of which two have already been completed near the temple. The middle section of the loop is still under construction, giving the structure a broken appearance. However, BDA remains confident about connecting all parts on time.
A senior BDA official said, “The two spans to go over the railway line are ready for trial assembly. An inspector from RDSO (Research Design and Standards Organisation) will now visit on April 23 to oversee it." This trial will happen at a special fabrication yard in Gauribidanur, Chikkaballapur, approved by railway authorities.
Once the spans pass inspection, BDA will request South Western Railways (SWR) for a time slot to erect them, depending on train movements. BDA has permission to work between 1 am and 3 am, so that daytime traffic isn’t disturbed. Three cranes — one on top of the Hebbal flyover and two below — will be used to lift the heavy spans.
Officials hope to complete all girder erection by the end of April. Earlier this year, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh had set a 100-day deadline for completion by mid-April. However, the BDA missed that target, with the latest commitment now pointing to a 15 May launch.
Initially, the loop was scheduled for a September 2024 finish, but delays forced the BDA to revise the timeline..
