NHAI Implements Traffic Relief Measures After Bengaluru Highway Construction Incident
Days after a significant soil collapse disrupted construction on a crucial stretch of National Highway 44 (NH-44) in Bengaluru, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced proactive steps to mitigate traffic congestion in the affected Chandapura area. The incident, which occurred last Thursday during the building of a vehicular overpass, has prompted immediate action from authorities to ensure smoother commutes for thousands of daily travelers.
Service Road Widening and Traffic Diversion Plan
An official from NHAI confirmed that the service road on the Bengaluru–Hosur side is currently being widened to accommodate increased traffic flow. This critical infrastructure work is scheduled for completion by February 9, after which Hosur-bound vehicles will be systematically diverted onto the enhanced service road. On the opposite carriageway, where the localized soil collapse took place, construction of a retaining wall is actively underway. Once this structural reinforcement is finished, traffic moving towards Bengaluru will be fully restored, alleviating the current bottlenecks.
Clarification on the Incident and Expert Involvement
NHAI has clarified that the road did not experience a complete cave-in but rather a localized soil collapse at a specific excavation site. The collapse occurred where deep excavation of approximately 7.7 metres was in progress for an underpass as part of the overpass project. In response, NHAI has sought the expert opinion of renowned geotechnical specialist G L Shivakumar Babu to assess the ongoing construction works and ensure safety and stability moving forward.
Purpose of the Vehicular Overpass Project
The vehicular overpass at Chandapura is being constructed with a vital safety objective: to eliminate an accident-prone black spot on this busy highway. This project aims to enhance road safety and reduce traffic incidents, making it a key infrastructure development for the region. The recent setback, while challenging, underscores the complexity of such large-scale urban infrastructure projects in densely populated areas like Bengaluru.
As NHAI works diligently to complete the remedial measures by the February 9 deadline, commuters are advised to plan their routes accordingly and expect temporary diversions. The authority's swift response highlights its commitment to minimizing disruption and ensuring public safety amid unforeseen construction challenges.
