Maheshwar Rao Seeks Varthur Kodi Flyover Approval Report, Orders Waterlogging and Pothole Fixes
Bengaluru: Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao has sought a detailed account of permissions for flyover work at Varthur Kodi junction and directed officials to resolve waterlogging, potholes and pedestrian-access problems along the Varthur–Gunjur stretch, alongside accelerating ongoing road and underpass construction.
During an inspection on September 26 within Bengaluru East City Corporation limits, Rao asked officials to establish whether the necessary permissions for the Varthur Kodi flyover work had been sought, whether they had been granted and the current stage of the approval process.
He also directed them to examine works that should already have begun or remained pending, identify the reasons for delays and take the necessary steps to complete them within the stipulated timelines, according to the civic release.
The inspection covered Hope Farm junction, Varthur Kodi junction, Varthur Main Road, Varthur, the bus stop near Varthur Police Station and Gunjur junction. Rao reviewed road, underpass, flyover, pipeline and footpath works, along with locations affected by waterlogging.
At Varthur Kodi, he stressed that construction and pending infrastructure work should not disrupt movement through the junction. Officials were instructed to put the necessary traffic-management arrangements in place while addressing outstanding work and permissions.
Waterlogging outside Manipal Hospital was among the problems examined during the visit. Rao sought information on why rainwater was accumulating in front of the hospital and discussed the contributing factors with officials.
He directed them to inspect the drainage arrangements, identify what was preventing rainwater from flowing away and address the problem promptly. The instructions included taking measures to prevent water from accumulating again during rain rather than leaving the location vulnerable to a recurring problem.
A similar review was undertaken near Jamia Mosque on Varthur Main Road, where officials were asked to examine obstructions to rainwater flow and assess the drainage system.
Rao called for corrective work to prevent stagnation and a lasting solution to the recurring problem. He also directed officials to submit a report on the measures taken to improve drainage and reduce inconvenience to residents and motorists.
Potholes along Varthur Main Road were another focus of the inspection. Officials were instructed to repair them immediately, with priority given to safe and smooth movement for road users.
Near Viva Fit Gym in Varthur, Rao reviewed the condition of the road and associated infrastructure works. He directed officials to remove accumulated construction debris, repair potholes and complete pending pipeline work without further delay.
At the bus stop near Varthur Police Station, he sought details of locations where demolition-related action remained pending. Officials were asked to identify these locations and take the necessary action in accordance with the rules, coordinating with the departments concerned so that public movement was not obstructed.
Rao also inspected the progress of Gunjur Road construction near Sopana and More in Varthur. He directed officials to take steps to prevent delays and accelerate the work.
The road must be completed without compromising quality and in accordance with the prescribed standards, he said. Officials were also instructed to maintain precautions at the site so that traffic could continue to move while construction was under way.
At Gunjur junction, the directions extended beyond road construction to the condition of the surrounding public space.
Rao asked officials to clear construction waste and other accumulated material and maintain regular cleanliness around the junction so that pedestrians and motorists were not inconvenienced.
He directed that potholes at the junction be repaired promptly and that road-safety signs be installed wherever required to give clear guidance to motorists and pedestrians.
Footpath development was also identified as a priority. Officials were instructed to improve pedestrian facilities at Gunjur junction and ensure that the footpaths remained usable and free of obstructions.
At Hope Farm junction, Rao inspected the ongoing underpass work and asked officials to accelerate its completion. Pending portions were to be taken up promptly through coordination among the departments concerned.
He stressed that safety arrangements for motorists and the public must remain in place throughout construction and that the work should be completed within the stipulated period.
Rao also sought information on relocating a temple at Hope Farm junction. Officials were directed to examine a suitable alternative location and take the necessary steps in accordance with the rules, keeping both public movement and the underpass work in view.
Across the inspection locations, Rao called for departments to coordinate rather than allow works directly affecting the public to remain pending. He said timely completion had to be accompanied by adherence to quality standards and precautions to keep roads, junctions and footpaths accessible during construction.
Bengaluru East City Corporation Additional Commissioner Lokhande Snehal Sudhakar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Karthik Reddy, Deputy Commissioner of Police Gopal, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, and engineers and other officials were present during the inspection.
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