The National Highways Authority of India has decided to construct railway overbridges (ROBs) where rail tracks interrupt the service road along the Bengaluru-Mysuru access-controlled highway. According to NHAI officials, this will eliminate the need for lengthy diversions through nearby towns, providing a seamless travel experience for motorists and residents.
The current gaps in the service road have been a source of frustration for commuters since the highway opened in March 2023. “The new ROBs will allow vehicles to travel parallel to the main highway without deviation, offering direct access between Bengaluru and Mysuru,” a NHAI official said.
According to NHAI officials, the work on the incomplete sections of the service road will be carried out alongside the work on the ROBs to address long-standing complaints. The lack of continuous service roads has been a persistent issue, with motorists and residents from neighbouring villages voicing their concerns.
Praveen Kumar, a regular commuter on the highway from Bengaluru, said, “These interruptions have been a major hassle for everyone. It’s great that NHAI is finally addressing this issue. At Maddur and Ramanagara, we used to face incomplete service roads, which used to confuse us earlier.”
“RoB will enhance connectivity and reduce congestion, benefiting both long-distance travellers and local residents. The construction is set to commence soon and a tender has been issued for the same,” the official added.
More toll plazas
Recently, the NHAI revealed that it is considering the introduction of additional toll plazas along the highway to accommodate motorists travelling between intermediate towns.
The NHAI has proposed further enhancements to the highway infrastructure at an estimated cost of ₹711 crore. Discussing the plan, Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said, “The introduction of new toll plazas would enable motorists to pay tolls proportionate to the distance they travel between intermediate locations, making it more convenient for short-distance users.”
Under NHAI regulations, toll plazas should ideally be spaced 60 kilometres apart. For shorter segments of travel, tolls will be calculated based on the precise distance covered, ensuring fair pricing for all road users.
Published – December 24, 2024 07:43 pm IST
