V. Somanna inaugurates Road Under Bridge at Challaghatta Gate and lays foundation stone for Road Under Bridge in lieu of LC No. 16, Ramohalli Gate

V. Somanna, Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, laid the foundation stone for a new Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Level Crossing Gate No. 16 (Ramohalli Gate) and inaugurated a completed Road Under Bridge in lieu of Level Crossing Gate No. 15 (Challaghatta Gate) in the Kengeri–Hejjala section of the Bengaluru–Mysuru railway route. These important projects are expected to greatly improve traffic and road safety in the area.

Speaking on the occasion, V. Somanna emphasized Indian Railways' commitment to fully funding and executing Road Over Bridges/Road Under Bridge projects across the country. He noted that over 640 Road Under Bridges and Road Over Bridges (RUBs and ROBs) have been completed in the last 10 years. The newly completed Challaghatta RUB and the upcoming Ramohalli RUB, he said, will provide major relief to local commuters by reducing delays at level crossings and easing congestion on key roads leading to Mysuru Road.

V. Somanna stated that all level crossing gates within a 100-kilometer radius of Bengaluru are planned to be eliminated within the next three years. He also spoke about several ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects in the city, including the redevelopment of Yesvantpur and Bengaluru Cantonment stations under the Station Redevelopment Scheme, and the upgradation of KSR Bengaluru Station to world-class standards. The Minister added that two new platforms will be built at KSR Bengaluru Station, the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project is progressing, the Byappanahalli–Hosur line is being doubled, and a Mega Coaching Terminal will be developed near Bengaluru.

SuShobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises also addressed the gathering. She pointed out that the construction of the RUBs fulfils long-pending demands of local residents and will benefit commuters traveling to important locations and religious sites. She emphasized that removing level crossings is essential for reducing long wait times and lowering the risk of road accidents. She further confirmed the government’s commitment to fast-tracking such infrastructure upgrades across the country.

T.N. Javarayi Gowda, Member of Legislative Council; Ashutosh Mathur, Additional Divisional Railway Manager of Bengaluru Division; Rajeev Sharma, Senior Divisional Engineer (Co-ordination) and other officers were present.

The RUB at Challaghatta Gate (LC No. 15), connects Challaghatta to Mysuru Road and has been completed at an approximate cost of ₹5.52 crore. The RUB at Ramohalli Gate (LC No. 16), will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹7.74 crore and is expected to significantly streamline traffic movement in the area.

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