Bengaluru: After many delays, Kundalahalli underpass opened

BENGALURU: In a relief to those going to Whitefield, Mahadevapura and other parts of east Bengaluru, the much-delayed Kundalahalli underpass was informally thrown open to the public on Monday.
After missing seven deadlines since 2019, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) came under intense criticism for the slow pace of work on the underpass, including land acquisition for the project. Senior BBMP officials told TOI that barring a few minor works, the underpass is now ready for official inauguration.
M Lokesh, chief engineer (projects), BBMP, said: “We have sought dates for inauguration from the CM’s office and once they are confirmed, we will inaugurate the underpass. Currently, traffic is allowed on a trial basis.”
Another engineer said all the work, including asphalting of road, has been done fully. “Works such as marking lanes, medians and painting of curb area are pending. We’ll complete them in a day or two.”
Raman Iyer, a frequent user of the road, said the underpass will benefit a lot of people. “Because of congestion, almost all motorists commuting to Whitefield or other parts were wasting 2-3 hours in traffic. This used to result in the choking of arterial roads and kilometers-long traffic snarls on a daily basis. But all of that can now be resolved with the successful commissioning of the underpass.”
Girish K, an engineer who works with a leading aeronautical firm, said: “More than the use of the structure, we must all thank BBMP for finally completing the work. The slow pace of it, resulting in dusty conditions, had affected several motorists. During rainy days, it was even more problematic. But now this will all be a thing of the past.”
Officials said on Saturday traffic was allowed on one side, and on Monday on both sides on a trial basis.