The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has awarded Detailed Project Report (DPR) contracts to three consultancy firms in Bengaluru for 16 major infrastructure projects, including flyovers, elevated corridors, and underpasses, covering a total of 110 kilometres. The firms, Infra Support Engineering Consultants Pvt Ltd, Nagesh Consultants, and Siddhi Shakti Projects, are expected to complete the reports within three months. Two of these firms have prior experience working with BBMP on similar DPR assignments. Among the projects is a 27-km elevated corridor from KR Puram to Yeshwantpur (Mathikere Cross), which is expected to ease traffic congestion. These proposals come after a feasibility study conducted by New Delhi-based Altinok Engineering, which also recommended the construction of underground roads in strategic city areas. The report suggests elevated corridors for key stretches, including Nagawara Junction to Bagaluru Main Road, Hennur Main Road to Bagalur Junction, and Ragigudda to 7th Main Junction connecting Kanakapura Road. However, it does not address traffic concerns in rapidly developing areas such as Mahadevapura, KR Puram, and Bommanahalli. Urban mobility expert Satya Arikutharam has criticized the feasibility study for lacking a scientific approach, pointing out that the report does not mention traffic survey dates, raising questions about its real-time data accuracy. He emphasized the need for a thorough network analysis to identify the root causes of congestion, suggesting that not all roads require grand infrastructure solutions. Arikutharam also voiced concerns about delays in two Metro lines due to overlapping plans for tunnels and elevated corridors. The BBMP has already prepared a DPR for an 18.5-km tunnel road between Central Silk Board and Hebbal, which faced criticism for being too similar to a Mumbai project. The authority is yet to finalize tenders for another 28.5-km tunnel road between KR Puram and Nayandahalli Junction, despite multiple bid attempts, with Rodic Consultants being the sole bidder for the project.Image source:deccanherald