Chain Reaction: Thousands Protest Steel Flyover in Bengaluru
Citizens are opposing a steel flyover that may result in the felling of 800 trees.
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#SteelFloyoverBeda
- A 6.7-km steel bridge starting from Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal is to be built.
- To be built at a cost of Rs 1,791 crore.
- Project to cause loss of over 800 trees.
- Many heritage buildings to also be torn down.
- Around 268,000 vehicles are expected to ply on it.
- All this to reduce travel time to the airport by just 7–10 minutes!
On Sunday morning, thousands gathered on the streets of Bengaluru to form a human chain against a massive steel flyover proposed in the city. A project, experts say, is a disaster in the making.
The six-lane steel flyover from Chalukya Circle to Hebbal Junction will cover a distance of 6.7 km and cost about Rs 1,800 crores. In its construction, more than 3 acres of government land and over 1 acre of private land occupying some of the greenest space would be lost. What is most worrisome is the state government’s plan to chop down some 800 trees.
Activists and experts have been particularly concerned over the secrecy over the project.
The project that is going to cost over Rs 1,791 crore has received a green signal even though the Bangalore Development Authority received only 299 responses from citizens to its proposal.
On Sunday, Bengaluru residents from different areas and walks of life took to the streets to show their strength and solidarity with #SteelFlyoverBeda (steel flyover not wanted) movement.
Many prominent Bangaloreans who are leading the protests also joined in.
Citizens and experts opposing the move are questioning the construction of flyovers that are geared towards encouraging private transport, instead of promoting public transport to ease traffic congestion.
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