Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar takes test drive on Bengaluru's 1st double-decker flyover

Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar at the Rail-cum-Road flyover from Ragigudda to Central Silk Board

Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar took the wheel on July 17 to mark the completion of Bengaluru's first double-decker flyover.

The Central Silk Board Junction intersects both Outer Ring Road and Hosur Road and is one of Bengaluru's busiest junctions with high vehicular traffic and a major bottleneck.

"The rail-cum road flyover, popularly known as the double-decker, aims to reduce traffic congestion from Ragigudda to Central Silk Board using loops and ramps," said a statement Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

Also, read:  Bengaluru's first double-decker flyover will open for 'trial runs' tomorrow

"As of now, the Rail-cum-Road flyover from Ragigudda to Central Silk Board, including loops and ramps totaling 5.12 km, enables uninterrupted travel from Ragigudda to HSR Layout and Hosur Road, reducing travel time by over 30%," it said.

"The ramps connecting HSR Layout to the flyover towards Ragigudda and BTM Layout, spanning 1.37 km, are still under construction and expected to be completed by June 2025. This Rail cum Road flyover from Ragigudda to Central Silk Board showcases Bengaluru's commitment to innovative infrastructure," a statement added.

Sources said that although the double-decker structure was ready for inauguration last month, the delay was due to the requirement for joint representation from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Karnataka government for the inauguration event. Officials formal inauguration will done later.

No seatbelt

In a video, Shivakumar was seen driving from Ragigudda to Central Silk Board. He also waved a bystander standing on the flyover. However, many netizens on social media pointed out that he was not wearing a seatbelt and tagged the Bengaluru traffic police to take action.

ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಭಾರತದ ಮೊದಲ ರೋಡ್-ಕಮ್-ಮೆಟ್ರೋ ಮೇಲ್ಸೇತುವೆಯನ್ನು ಇಂದು ಉದ್ಘಾಟಿಸಿ ಸ್ವತಃ ಕಾರ್ ಡ್ರೈವ್ ಮಾಡಿದೆ. ರಾಗಿಗುಡ್ಡದಿಂದ ಸಿಲ್ಕ್ ಬೋರ್ಡ್ ಸಂಪರ್ಕಿಸುವ ಈ ಅತ್ಯಾಧುನಿಕ ಫ್ಲೈಓವರ್ ನಗರದ ಚಲನಶೀಲತೆಗೆ ಹೊಸ ಭಾಷ್ಯ ಬರೆದಿದೆ ಎಂದರೆ ತಪ್ಪಾಗಲಾರದು.#BrandBengaluru #DoubleDeckerFlyover pic.twitter.com/c3L4e6PrYb

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) July 17, 2024

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the trial run for vehicles on the double-decker flyover, Shivakumar said: "Land acquisition is challenging today. Double-decker flyovers are inevitable for easing traffic, despite being slightly more expensive".

"The current 5.25 km double-decker flyover, costing Rs 450 crore, is relatively economical given current cost structures. BBMP and BMRCL will share the project's cost," he said.

"This double-decker flyover will benefit  30 percent of commuters heading towards Hosur Road, benefiting residents of Electronic City, HSR Layout, and Mahadevapura. A plan costing Rs 5,475 crore has been drafted for a 9.5 km elevated five-lane road in Bengaluru," he added.

"The traffic flow will be analysed during the trial run before fully opening to the public," he added.

Also, read:Bengaluru Metro's extension to outskirts, double-decker flyovers; contracts awarded for feasibility studies