Sir,

I was surprised to read the front-page news item ‘Mysuru to get 2 new flyovers’ (Star of Mysore dated Oct. 31).

There should have been at least a preliminary, back-of-the-envelope study to assess the economic benefits before spending money on a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

In addition, for an investment of this scale, have Public Works Department (PWD) engineers examined whether there was any discussion on the need for such a project or at least a mention in the Mysuru Master Plan 2031, even to justify preparing a DPR? To my knowledge, there is none.

It is also not clear if a comprehensive transportation study has been conducted to assess vehicle movement in the proposed flyover areas.

When environmentalists or heritage enthusiasts raise objections — even at the DPR stage — there are always critics who dismiss us as armchair protesters. However, the reality is quite different. We should be taken seriously by both the authorities and the elected representatives.

Having been involved with projects of various kinds during our careers, many of us possess sufficient expertise to assist the developers with our experience. It is encouraging to note from your article that once the DPR is ready, opinions will be sought from the public as well as the elected representatives.

In my view, the PWD should hold a public hearing even at this stage of preparing the DPR to involve concerned Mysureans.

In cyberspace, there is already serious discussion on this project.

By holding such a preliminary hearing, the PWD will benefit from public input — helping to prepare a better DPR or even reconsider the project altogether, thereby saving both money and effort.

— Bhamy V. Shenoy, Founding Working President, Mysore Grahakara Parishat, Mysuru, 2.11.2025

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