Karnataka’s Public Works Minister C C Patil told the Legislative Council this week unprecedented rains, encroachment in stormwater drains, and non-removal of silt and debris led to severe flooding of parts of Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway recently. Patil also said that Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari was scheduled to inspect the expressway on January 5, 2023. Patil said as state saw rains two to three times in excess of normal rainfall, water flow was high, and the problem was worsened due to encroachments and silt.

Stating that he had conducted two rounds of inspection, Patil stressed that the government had taken steps and had asked the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to clear choke points.

On the expressway, Patil said, “I am aware that people of Ramanagara, Channapatna, Mandya and Maddur want their towns to be linked with this project, but it may not be possible.”

A local MLA said that farmers along the stretch had lost their lands and livelihoods. "Now, the NHAI is barring them from entering the road as well," he said.

Patil said the government would submit a memorandum to Gadkari seeking access points to all towns on this stretch.

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