K-RIDE cuts 90 trees for double-decker flyover under Bengaluru suburban rail project

Preparatory work begins for a ₹150 crore double-decker flyover on Mohan Kumar Road as part of Bengaluru’s Suburban Rail Project, with 90 trees cleared to make way for construction.

Preparatory work has officially begun for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) with the Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Ltd, also known as K-RIDE, clearing 90 trees along Mohan Kumar Road between Mathikere and Yeshwantpur. The tree clearance is part of the groundwork for a proposed 1.2-kilometre double-decker flyover, a key feature of Corridor 2 of the BSRP.

According to the approved design, the flyover will feature a 5.5-metre-wide road on both sides at Level 1, while a suburban rail viaduct will run at Level 2. The project, estimated to cost ₹150 crore, will be fully funded by the Karnataka government. Officials confirmed that tree cutting was undertaken only after securing clearance from the tree officer, who granted permission to fell 90 out of 98 identified trees. The remaining eight trees have been marked for translocation.

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The felled trees included species like pongamia, yellow flame, pink trumpet, and mahogany, many of which had a girth exceeding two metres. Activists, however, expressed concern that not enough effort was made to preserve the trees despite assurances.

Earlier, K-RIDE had sought clearance for tree removal in January 2024. For the larger stretch of the 8 km viaduct and 17.5 km at-grade section between Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara, permission was granted to cut 699 trees, translocate 89, and retain 493.

The construction contract for the section was initially awarded to Larsen & Toubro (L&T). However, the agreement was later terminated by the firm citing non-availability of land. K-RIDE called the termination “illegal” and has since issued fresh tenders to complete the pending work. Officials expect actual construction activity to resume early next year.

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Meanwhile, the double-decker design model is becoming a growing trend in Bengaluru’s transport infrastructure. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has also announced plans for two double-decker corridors, a 37-km stretch on Outer Ring Road connecting Hebbal with JP Nagar IV Phase, and another linking Hosahalli to Kadabagere along Magadi Road, under Phase II of Namma Metro.