Residents urge state to scrap Rs 4.82 billion Varthur flyover plan

21 Apr 2025 CW Team

Calling the flyover plan “ill-conceived” and environmentally damaging, the Vedike said the project would waste taxpayer money, worsen traffic congestion, and derail long-term urban mobility planning. “This isn’t development—it’s destruction disguised as progress,” said Gangadhar B M, president of the Vedike.

Approved by the state cabinet in 2022, the project proposes a 1.9-km extension to an existing 1.3-km elevated corridor. Locals argue the flyover will encourage more private vehicles and limit space for sustainable transit options like metro, suburban rail, or high-speed bus systems.

The group also flagged violations of multiple laws, including the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, which requires public consultation and municipal approvals for major urban works. They said the detailed project report was prepared without citizen input, and no public hearings were conducted.

More concerning, the proposed alignment reportedly cuts through a lake buffer zone—an ecologically sensitive area protected under a Karnataka High Court ruling. Residents fear this will worsen flooding, deplete groundwater, and raise urban heat levels.

The Vedike further alleged the project bypassed the Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC), as mandated by the Nagarpalika Act, 1992, rendering the proposal “unconstitutional”. Arbitrary land acquisition and the absence of a social impact assessment have only added to public anger.

The plan also involves large-scale tree felling, which activists say will worsen air quality and biodiversity loss in a city already reeling from environmental decline. “The High Court has ruled that such tree cutting cannot happen without public consultation,” the Vedike reminded.

The group is now demanding a full stop on the project and has called for an independent urban mobility study by the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) to explore sustainable alternatives. They’re also urging the government to consult urban planners, environmental experts, and heritage bodies before moving forward.

Image source: thehansindia

Residents under the banner of the Varthur Nagarikara Hita Rakshana Vedike have petitioned Karnataka’s Chief Secretary to scrap the Rs 4.82 billion Varthur elevated corridor project, citing a lack of transparency, public consultation, and legal compliance. Calling the flyover plan “ill-conceived” and environmentally damaging, the Vedike said the project would waste taxpayer money, worsen traffic congestion, and derail long-term urban mobility planning. “This isn’t development—it’s destruction disguised as progress,” said Gangadhar B M, president of the Vedike. Approved by the state cabinet in 2022, the project proposes a 1.9-km extension to an existing 1.3-km elevated corridor. Locals argue the flyover will encourage more private vehicles and limit space for sustainable transit options like metro, suburban rail, or high-speed bus systems. The group also flagged violations of multiple laws, including the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, which requires public consultation and municipal approvals for major urban works. They said the detailed project report was prepared without citizen input, and no public hearings were conducted. More concerning, the proposed alignment reportedly cuts through a lake buffer zone—an ecologically sensitive area protected under a Karnataka High Court ruling. Residents fear this will worsen flooding, deplete groundwater, and raise urban heat levels. The Vedike further alleged the project bypassed the Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC), as mandated by the Nagarpalika Act, 1992, rendering the proposal “unconstitutional”. Arbitrary land acquisition and the absence of a social impact assessment have only added to public anger. The plan also involves large-scale tree felling, which activists say will worsen air quality and biodiversity loss in a city already reeling from environmental decline. “The High Court has ruled that such tree cutting cannot happen without public consultation,” the Vedike reminded. The group is now demanding a full stop on the project and has called for an independent urban mobility study by the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) to explore sustainable alternatives. They’re also urging the government to consult urban planners, environmental experts, and heritage bodies before moving forward.Image source: thehansindia

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Jul 2026

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..