In a major development for Bengaluru's infrastructure landscape, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has secured a crucial agreement with St John's National Academy of Health Sciences to utilize hospital land for the construction of the Ejipura flyover. This announcement was made by GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao following a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing flyover work and meetings with traffic police and hospital management.
Land Acquisition Breakthrough for Flyover Construction
Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao revealed that the hospital administration has consented to allow a portion of their property to be used for installing five portal piers essential for the flyover structure. This land is specifically required on the left side when traveling from Central Sadan towards Ejipura, where the portal piers must be constructed along the footpath adjacent to the hospital's compound wall.
Immediate Construction Instructions Issued
Following the agreement, Rao directed engineers and contractors to immediately mark the designated area and commence construction work without delay. He emphasized the urgency of this phase, given the project's prolonged history of delays and escalating costs.
"The construction of the Ejipura flyover is currently progressing at a fast pace," stated Rao during his announcement. "This land acquisition represents a critical milestone that will enable us to maintain our accelerated construction timeline."
Safety Measures and Restoration Plans
The civic chief outlined specific safety protocols for the construction phase, including the installation of protective barricades around the work area. Additionally, he assured that any portion of the hospital's compound wall requiring demolition for the flyover construction would be promptly reconstructed upon completion of the work, ensuring minimal long-term disruption to the medical facility.
Project Progress and Historical Context
During Monday's inspection, GBA Chief Engineer Raghavendra Prasad provided detailed updates on the flyover's construction status. The 2.38-kilometer infrastructure project is advancing rapidly, with significant progress already achieved:
- Total segments required for construction: 762
- Segments already cast: 645
- Segments erected to date: 490
The Ejipura flyover project has experienced a turbulent history marked by political transitions and substantial delays. Initial construction began in 2017 during the Congress administration, only to be stalled for nearly five years under the subsequent BJP-led government from 2019 to 2023. Work resumed in November 2023 following the Congress party's return to power.
Escalating Costs and Revised Timelines
The project's financial dimensions have undergone dramatic changes since its inception. Originally budgeted at approximately Rs 203.20 crore with a completion target of November 4, 2019, the flyover's estimated cost has now ballooned to a staggering Rs 1,761 crore. This exponential increase reflects both inflationary pressures and the extended timeline resulting from years of construction inactivity.
This land agreement with St John's hospital represents a pivotal moment in Bengaluru's ongoing efforts to address urban mobility challenges. The Ejipura flyover, once completed, is expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion in one of the city's busiest corridors, though its journey from conception to realization has been fraught with political and logistical hurdles that have substantially increased both its timeline and financial burden.
