A ‘show-stopper’ of a different kind

The median on Greenland flyover, a remnant of the erstwhile footpath of the old road over bridge bang in the middle, continues to be a sore thumb and thus a potential hazard for commuters.

The GHMC and the South Central Railway (SCR) have not been able to find a solution to the issue - removing the 22-metre-long median - so that three lanes are available on the old flyover for vehicles coming from S.P. Road and moving towards Somajiguda.

The latest is that the Railways have suggested that the opinion of noted construction consultant Mahesh Tandon be taken on the design prepared by a private consultant to strengthen the old flyover from down below and remove the footpath remnant. The design was also vetted by the civic engineering department of IIT (Chennai).

“We are planning to write to Mr. Tandon and seek his expertise,” said Engineer-in-Chief R. Dhan Singh. Unfortunately, the consultant was blacklisted after the Punjagutta flyover mishap, and there are doubts about his availability.

Usually flyovers atop railway tracks are constructed by railway engineers, and no other department takes up the work because of the risks involved. But the Municipal Corporation, to expedite the new flyover work, convinced the Railways and got the job done three years ago. The old flyover had footpaths on both sides. While the Country Club-facing footpath was retained, that on the opposite side was removed save for the portion above the railway track as it was on a cantilever beam. SCR engineers say it could affect the structure’s stability. While prolonged technical discussions were held between the two departments, the civic body installed cautionary boards, rumble strips, studs, chevron markings and collapsible bollards with radium stickers twice in view of mishaps occurring at the site where traffic suddenly gets divided into a double and single lane.

However, such is the traffic that safety features got eroded over a period of time. “Removing the median is a complicated exercise as it affects train movement too. Railway engineers have a case against removing the median without taking other strengthening measures. Yet, we are not too optimistic about getting their consent,” said senior officials.