After missing several deadlines, the Rs 19.5-crore HAL Airport underpass is ready for public use after five years. Officials said the 2.9-metre structure – connecting HAL Airport Road and Whitefield – is likely to be operational before this month-end.
Work began in 2018 under the chief minister’s Nagarothana fund and the project missed deadlines of September and December, 2022.
The underpass is expected to ease traffic to and from Marathahalli. A free right turn has been provided for vehicles coming from Marathahalli and entering Suranjan Das Road, said BBMP chief engineer (projects) Vinayak Sugoor. The underpass is part of the 17.5-km signal-free corridor between Vellara Junction and Hope Farm Junction.
BBMP has completed work at Kundanahalli underpass but that of Wind Tunnel Road is pending. Civic expert Sanjeev Dyamannavar said BBMP tends to work at a snail’s pace and this is not the only project that has been delayed. A BBMP official said heavy rain and resultant flooding delayed the project. He said precautionary measures have been taken to avoid flooding of underpasses.