Sir,

This refers to the news item titled “Citizens urge rethink on Crawford Hall Underpass” published in SOM dated Apr.15.

Indeed, traffic on the stretch from Government Press Junction to Ekalavya Circle has increased significantly in recent years.

While some have suggested that constructing an underpass may be a solution, it is important to carefully evaluate all associated implications.

Concerns such as safety of heritage structures like Crawford Hall, Oriental Research Institute and Maharaja’s College, as well as potential loss of 80 heritage trees, cannot be overlooked.

Before proceeding with such an irreversible intervention, alternative solutions should be explored.

There is already a Road Under Bridge (RUB) near the Fire Brigade and an overbridge on Hunsur Road (opposite CFTRI gate). A more practical approach may be to regulate traffic flow by allowing vehicles from the Kukkarahalli side to pass through the level crossing in a single direction, while diverting other vehicles via the Fire Brigade RUB or the Hunsur Road overbridge.

Converting this stretch into a one-way system could significantly ease congestion.

Such a measure would help avoid large-scale tree cutting, reduce manpower requirements, and conserve public funds, which could instead be allocated to more sustainable infrastructure projects.

I hope the authorities and our elected representatives take cognisance of these concerns and consider solutions that balance development with heritage and environmental preservation.

– Vijay Hemmige, Vijayanagar Railway Layout, 15.4.2026

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