Responding to mounting concerns of villagers residing near the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway, the Karnataka government has announced the construction of 24 foot over bridges (FOBs) along the crucial transportation link. Responding to a query raised by Congress MLC Madhu G Madegowda during the ongoing session of the state legislature in Belagavi, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi said the government has enlisted the expertise of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to formulate a comprehensive plan for the proposed foot over bridges (FOB).
Two FOBs are slated for construction in Mysuru district, specifically at Siddalingapura and Kalastavadi. Additional FOBs are planned at various locations, including Kaniminike in Bengaluru Urban district, Manchanayakanahalli, Kallugopahalli, Hulthar Hosadoddi, Madapura, and Dhabanagunda in Ramanagara district.
"A total of 24 foot over bridges will be coming across the expressway. These will help villagers to cross the expressway without jumping out of the fence or damaging them. These will be constructed in villages that fall in Bengaluru Urban, Mysuru, and Mandya districts," he said. Furthermore, NHAI has decided to implement additional safety measures, including an increase in median height, at six identified black spots in Mandya district—Maddur, Ummadahalli gate, Induvalu, Sundahalli, Ragimuddanahalli, and Garudanaukkada.
The 119-kilometre expressway, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March has been built at a cost of Rs 8,408 crore. Comprising 52 kms of greenfield area with five bypasses to alleviate traffic congestion, the project includes 11 overpasses, 64 underpasses, five bypasses, and 42 small bridges. The expressway boasts six lanes, complemented by additional two-lane service roads on both sides.
Home Minister G Parameshwara had said that 100 individuals had lost their lives on the highway since its inauguration in March this year. Mobility experts attributed three reasons for the surge in accidents to three main factors: overspeeding, poor road design, and lack of driver education.
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