The much awaited Electronic City Express elevator finally inagurated. The 9-km flyover is the longest in Bangalore and the second longest in the entire country. The flyover was inaugurated by Union Minister for Surface Transport Kamal Nath. The project began in July 2006 with a time frame of two and a half years.
NDTV News
It's easily the most high-profile inauguration Bangalore has ever seen for a flyover.
But it's worth it. Or so the city hopes. The elevated expressway connects Bangalore's main city to the IT hub, allowing two lakh commuters to make their way to companies like Infosys faster than ever before.
Rohit and Markandeya work at IT companies. Rohit says, "I am very excited. It used to take half an hour. Now we will go in five minutes, zip down this road." When NDTV asked what he'll do with his spare time, Markandeya chips in: "He will spend time with his girlfriend."
The existing route had become a commuter's nightmare with the infrastructure unable to cope with the infotech industry's explosive growth.
Then the idea of an elevated expressway was mooted.
"It all started with Mr. Narayana Murthy expressing a wish some years ago. He said this road has such high volume of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, I wish we build a road with stilts," said Aruna Newton, Secretary, Electronics City Industrial Association.
Construction on the 9.5 kilimetre freeway, which cost close to Rs 700 crores, began four years ago.
"There will be no people crossing the road, there will be no dogs that come in between, but then there are challenges too," said Praveen Sood, Traffic Commissioner, Bangalore.
The traffic police commissioner offers this advice, "I wish people drive responsibly on this world-class road."
But it's worth it. Or so the city hopes. The elevated expressway connects Bangalore's main city to the IT hub, allowing two lakh commuters to make their way to companies like Infosys faster than ever before.
Rohit and Markandeya work at IT companies. Rohit says, "I am very excited. It used to take half an hour. Now we will go in five minutes, zip down this road." When NDTV asked what he'll do with his spare time, Markandeya chips in: "He will spend time with his girlfriend."
The existing route had become a commuter's nightmare with the infrastructure unable to cope with the infotech industry's explosive growth.
Then the idea of an elevated expressway was mooted.
"It all started with Mr. Narayana Murthy expressing a wish some years ago. He said this road has such high volume of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, I wish we build a road with stilts," said Aruna Newton, Secretary, Electronics City Industrial Association.
Construction on the 9.5 kilimetre freeway, which cost close to Rs 700 crores, began four years ago.
"There will be no people crossing the road, there will be no dogs that come in between, but then there are challenges too," said Praveen Sood, Traffic Commissioner, Bangalore.
The traffic police commissioner offers this advice, "I wish people drive responsibly on this world-class road."
Courtesy: NDTV
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