Congress defends new flyover projects in Mysuru, hits out at BJP

Taking strong exception to the Opposition against the proposed flyover projects in Mysuru, KPCC spokesperson M. Lakshman on Sunday clarified that the flyovers on Vinoba and J.L.B. Roads, along with underpasses have been planned to ease rising traffic congestions. He asserted that the government is determined to go ahead with the works despite objections raised by the BJP.

Mr. Lakshman was reacting to MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar’s remarks that the road stretches in question carried heritage value and that he would consider legal options if the proposals were pursued.

Accusing the BJP of being “anti-development”, Mr. Lakshman said, “In Bengaluru, the BJP MP is opposing the tunnel project, and in Mysuru, the MP here is opposing the construction of flyovers. The opposition is purely political.”

Speaking to presspersons in Mysuru, Mr. Lakshman said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had initiated the projects to prepare the city for traffic demands over the next decade and prevent congestions that Bengaluru currently experiences. Soil testing work is already under way as part of the proposals here, he noted.

Claiming that no previous Chief Minister had sanctioned developmental funds for Mysuru on such a scale, Mr. Lakshman said that the city received ₹3,200 crore during Mr. Siddaramaiah’s previous tenure and ₹3,500 crore so far in his current term. “When the Chief Minister is committed to improving Mysuru, the BJP is needlessly objecting,” he stated.

The flyover proposed from Metropole Circle to Hinkal is planned as a four-lane structure requiring approximately 15 acres of land. Around 212 trees may have to be felled and about 75 buildings could be affected. The project is planned considering an estimated future traffic load of two lakh Passenger Car Units (PCUs), with provisions included for a possible metro line in future, Mr. Lakshman said.

Similarly, the proposed flyover on J.L.B. Road — from Dasappa Circle near the railway station to the Nanjangud Road junction near JSS College — will require 13.56 acres of land and may involve the removal of around 192 trees and demolition of about 75 structures. The project has been planned in view of expected traffic growth along the stretch, Mr. Lakshman explained.

The government plans to complete the flyover works within 12 months, and the facility will be toll-free, he added.

Opposing the proposals, Mr. Yaduveer had pointed out that the roads selected for the project are of heritage value and could result in the felling of many trees.

The MP said that road stretches are surrounded by heritage structures and lined with thick greenery. While there may be traffic concerns beyond Hootagalli junction, there are no such issues between Metropole Circle and Aishwarya Petrol Bunk on Vinoba Road, he stated. Projects of this scale require feasibility studies and public consultations; none of that seems to have been done, Mr. Yaduveer claimed, emphasising the need for scientific urban planning.