Bengaluru: What was once just a shadowy stretch beneath a flyover could soon become a vibrant public space. Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao has directed officials to tap into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to transform under-flyover areas in the East City Corporation limits. The vision: cleaner, aesthetically pleasing spaces that residents can actually use.Rao’s recent inspection of the Iblur Junction flyover left him impressed. “This sets a positive example,” he said, urging officials to replicate similar beautification projects across the city. He also cited the ‘Chaturanga Mandapa’ under the Carmelaram flyover, developed by L&T, as a model of creative, community-friendly design that could inspire other interventions.The makeover isn’t just about looks. Rao also emphasised the need to ease traffic along the Outer Ring Road by fast-tracking entry and exit points. While three have already been implemented, the remaining connections are under the BMRCL’s jurisdiction, and Rao called for close coordination to complete the pending works quickly. At Kaikondrahalli on Sarjapur Road, Rao called for the development of the median island and asked that TDR-related issues be resolved at the earliest so that service road improvements can move forward. He stressed the need to identify and remove unauthorised structures that obstruct road development. Reviewing ongoing works near Wipro on Sarjapur Road, he said integrating the drain built by Wipro with the corporation’s drain system would help prevent waterlogging. He urged officials to complete the side-drain works without delay.Rao flagged delays in the widening of the Sarjapur–Chikkabellandur stretch, where TDR issuance is pending for 300 metres. Only a single layer of asphalt was laid on this portion, and full asphalting along with footpath development will be completed once the land acquisition matter is resolved. On Gunjur Club Road, he questioned why only wet mix was laid without final asphalting. Officials explained that stormwater drain works are pending, following which Rao asked them to resolve the issue promptly and take up road repairs. He also drew attention to the need for acquiring six acres of forest land near New Horizon College on SH-45, noting that constructing a new road there would significantly ease traffic congestion. He instructed officials to initiate steps for land acquisition and proceed with road construction. On the Gunjur–Panathur Road, where all but a 180-metre stretch built over a stormwater drain was asphalted, he directed officials to verify the approved alignment and complete the remaining work, including footpaths. He was accompanied by East City Corporation commissioner DS Ramesh, additional commissioner Lokhande Snehal Sudhakar, joint commissioner Dakshayini K, chief engineer Lokesh, and other officials.Order to clear footpath encroachment During the inspection, Rao issued on-the-spot instructions to penalise the installation of a generator on a footpath near Aradhana Hotel with a fine of Rs 25,000 and remove the permanently installed ‘Mobitown’ shop encroaching upon the footpath. He also directed removal of an unused Bescom box at Iblur Junction, and laying of cobblestones in its place. Unauthorised OFC lines along Sarjapur Road must be cleared, he said, while footpath development must be taken up on the already improved Gear School Road. He also instructed officials to address the absence of a UGD line at Carmelaram within Alnayanahalli Panchayat limits and ensure that the recently developed Balagere Road is properly maintained.
