Traffic Disruptions Continue on Bengaluru-Hosur Road After NH-44 Cave-in Near Chandapura
Traffic snarls on the Bengaluru-Hosur Road persisted into Thursday morning, extending the chaos a full day after a significant portion of National Highway-44 caved in near Chandapura. The incident has forced the closure of a section of the main road, while an unpaved service road remains open to manage the diverted traffic flow.
Incident Details and NHAI Explanation
The cave-in was reported early on Wednesday morning during deep excavation work aimed at constructing vehicular overpasses. These overpasses are part of a safety initiative to address accident-prone black spots along this critical stretch. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is overseeing the road work in this area.
An NHAI official provided insights into the incident, stating, "Work on three vehicular overpasses was actively underway, with the retaining walls nearly complete. The cave-in occurred when the extra width gave way during the excavation process." This explanation highlights the technical challenges faced during the construction phase.
Traffic Diversion and Future Plans
In response to the cave-in, traffic is currently being rerouted along an under-construction service road. The NHAI official elaborated on the long-term vision for the project, explaining, "Once the project is fully completed, the national highway will operate at a lower level, while local traffic will utilize the service roads above." This design aims to enhance safety and efficiency for both through traffic and local commuters.
The ongoing disruptions underscore the complexities of infrastructure development in high-traffic urban corridors. Commuters are advised to plan alternative routes and expect delays until the situation stabilizes. The NHAI is working to expedite repairs and ensure minimal long-term impact on the vital Bengaluru-Hosur connectivity.
