In the bustling area between Yelahanka Police Station Junction and Kogilu Cross along Ballari Road in Yelahanka, commuters are facing an ongoing inconvenience. A significant underground electricity cable installation project is currently underway, aimed at providing power to the Bangalore Development Authority’s Arkavathy Layout.
The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is leading the installation of this cable, which runs from Puttenahalli to Kogilu, passing through Yelahanka and Kogilu Cross. The initial installation work from Puttenahalli to Yelahanka Police Station Junction has already been successfully completed. However, a few weeks ago, the project contractor initiated the roadwork from the police station junction to Kogilu Cross.
Residents of Yelahanka and those who use this route for commuting have raised concerns regarding the disturbance caused by the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), which reportedly dug up the entire Yelahanka Old Town Main Road (BB Road) along the left side for cabling work. The result has been a dusty and chaotic environment, with no apparent effort to set up barricades for safety.
It’s worth noting that KPTCL clarified that the project is under the responsibility of the BDA’s electrical department. BDA officials corroborated this, confirming that the work was indeed carried out by their electrical department.
Local resident Kiran Kumar emphasized the urgency of completing road restoration to prevent accidents, citing the gravel covering the dug-up areas as a hazard, particularly for two-wheeler riders. Members of the local resident welfare association also voiced concerns about the traffic issues increasing in Yelahanka, attributing them to a lack of coordination between government agencies.
Sudhakar Reddy, an executive engineer in the BBMP’s Yelahanka zone, stated that the necessary permissions had been obtained from the civic body to dig up the road. He mentioned that the installation of the cable along the stretch was nearly complete and that road restoration would follow soon.
Manjunath, chief engineer for electricity in the Bengaluru transmission zone of KPTCL, clarified that the BDA is responsible for the project. He further instructed KPTCL staff to ensure that the BDA’s contract agency adheres to standard procedures. The purpose of the work is to electrify BDA Arkavathy Layout.
Henjarappa S, assistant engineer responsible for Arkavathy Layout at the BDA, acknowledged some initial challenges but assured that they had been addressed and that the project would be completed promptly.
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