BBMP plans to remove 157 trees for Ejipura flyover, here’s how Bengaluru residents can raise their concerns

Speaking to The Indian Express, Raghu Rajagopal, president of Koramangala 4th Block Residents Welfare Association, said, “If the identified 157 trees are relocated, this is a welcome move. It is important to ensure that these trees should be relocated and essentially relocated within Koramangala. As residents, we have been supporting the BBMP in identifying the space to relocate these trees. We have given them four or five locations to choose from, including government lands, layouts, and nearby lakes, among other places.”

He added, “Objecting to removing and relocating trees serves no purpose because we have all been fighting for years to complete the flyover.”

In 2023, researchers from Azim Premji University, in a rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, observed the environmental impact of the proposed Ejipura flyover project. The study by Harini Nagendra, Seema Mundoli, Vidya Ramesh, Vivek G and Soumi Das highlighted that more than 200 trees were under threat due to this project. In the 2.5-km stretch, they counted 207 trees of 24 species from 11 families. Of the 207 trees, 51 are rain trees. As per the study, the original Detailed Project Report (DPR) highlighted that 286 trees would need to be axed to build the elevated flyover and the loops.

The Karnataka government has extended the deadline for completing the long-pending 2.5-km Ejipura flyover to December-end, allowing the same construction firm to continue the work. The decision comes after the intervention of BTM Layout MLA and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, under whose constituency the flyover falls.

Ejipura flyover: a tale of several delays

Initially launched in 2017, the flyover project, which aims to ease congestion from Ejipura to Kendriya Sadan, has been marred by repeated delays, cost escalations, and logistical issues. Originally scheduled for completion by November 4, 2019, at an estimated cost of Rs 203.20 crore, the project’s cost has skyrocketed to Rs 1,761 crore.

Simplex Infrastructure, the first contractor awarded the tender, received multiple extensions but failed to deliver on time. This led to the current contractor, BSCPL Infrastructure Ltd, taking over the project in November 2023 with a 15-month deadline. However, the firm failed to meet monthly milestones, prompting BBMP to consider contract termination.

Following a meeting with BBMP engineers and the contractor, Reddy intervened to address concerns, including delays in receiving materials and segments prepared by the previous firm. In a bid to resolve the challenges, the contract period has been extended by another year.

Meanwhile, commuters continue to face severe hardships on the stretch, which has around seven traffic signals between Kendriya Sadan junction and Ejipura junction. During peak hours, the 2.5-km journey takes 30 to 40 minutes, with potholes and waterlogging adding to their woes, especially for two-wheeler riders during rains.