BENGALURU, 16 JAN

The Ejipura flyover construction project, which was meant to ease transportation on the stretch, has taken a toll on the local businesses and communities surrounding it. The flyover, under construction since 2017, has become more than just a symbol of progress — it has become a source of frustration and financial strain for the shop owners and residents in its vicinity.

The construction site is surrounded by barricades, effectively cutting off direct access to shops and houses. People are forced to take lengthy detours due to the barricades, inconveniencing residents and discouraging potential customers from exploring nearby businesses. This has resulted in a decline in foot traffic as well, leading to financial losses for the shop owners. Syed Imtiyaaz, the owner of Universal Furniture in Ejipura, said, “We have been facing a loss of around Rs 5 lakh every month due to the flyover construction; just remove the barricades and it eases our woes.”

Another issue due to the prolonged construction is the mounting trash around the construction site. “Debris, household waste, beer bottles and dead dogs are being thrown on the roadside, creating an eyesore. The bad odour from the trash has attracted rats, posing a threat to the businesses as these rodents enter shops and damage stored items,” said Dandapani, the resident and owner of New Caprius Bean Bag Enterprises on 100 Feet Inner Ring Road, Ejipura.

A group of residents, including Dandapani, has filed complaints with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) about the increasing trash in the region. “But, there has been a lack of visible action from the civic authority. The flyover also contributes to traffic problems which become worse during rains.”

Many people in the community are starting to doubt the way the flyover project was planned and carried out. “The nearest metro station (from Koramangala) is about 8km away. Other than constructing a flyover, the government could have constructed an underground metro line through the stretch,” said Shree Gangadar, a resident of Ejipura.

A BBMP official, working in South Zone, requesting anonymity, said: “We haven’t received any formal complaints from commercial establishments on suffering losses due to the flyover construction.” 

The ongoing construction of the 2.5km flyover connects southeast Bengaluru to the east and west. After multiple contractors failed to finish the long-awaited flyover, BBMP has now handed over the tender to Hyderabad-based firm BSCPL Infrastructure Ltd to carry out the pending works. As the project unfolds under the new management, its impact remains a problematic issue for both residents and commuters and stakeholders alike.