Film chamber opposes Sivananda Circle flyover; work to begin in September

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has joined the chorus against the controversial ste­el flyover at Sivananda Circle even as the government said the work on the project will start in September. KFCC is situated close to Hare Krishna Road, along which the flyover will be built.

The flyover was the centre of discussion at the monthly  meeting of the chamber on Wednesday. “The agenda of this month’s meeting was the construction of the steel flyover. I have spoken to Bengaluru Development Minister K J George and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah telling them that the construction of the flyover is a wasteful exercise. We (chamber) will give a representation to them soon. If the flyover is constructed, there will be huge jams at the start and end of the flyover. The scene at the Cauvery junction magic box will be replicated here. Instead, the government should acquire land near the railway bridge and widen the road. That is more than sufficient,” KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu said.

Some members of the film chamber pointed out that the government was taking up this project to please a small section of society because of the upcoming elections. The Cabinet cleared the 326-metre flyover costing Rs 19-crore. They agreed that the cost of construction will escalate to Rs 40 crore because of land acquisition. Instead, half of this amount can be used for land acquisition and road widening, added the film chamber member.

Notwithstanding growing protests, the state government has decided to go ahead with the project.

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials have decided to start the project from September once soil testing is over. “So far, we have completed soil testing at six spots and work on five more is under way by M Venkatarao Infrastructure Company, which has bagged the tender. After soil testing, the designs will be submitted and work orders will be issued. Construction will start in September first week,” said Ramesh, superintending engineer, BBMP.

Meanwhile, the BBMP is also identifying land to be acquired for the flyover, he added.

A property owner said on condition of anonymity: “We will not go to the government and offer our land, but the government should use its  common sense and come to us instead.”

Meanwhile, local corporators have decided to stage a protest and submit a memorandum to the state government against the steel flyover.