Karnataka > Bridges in Karnataka
The Sethubandhana Programme was commenced with the aim of constructing cross drainages on Non-PWD roads in the rural areas. In 198586 at a cost of Rs. 90.07 lakhs, 184 Cross Drainage Works were completed. With an expenditure of Rs. 154.09 lakhs, 258 works were completed during 1991-92. A scheme was started to provide cross-drainage having a linear water way of less than six metres. Since 1985-86 to 1991-92, as many as 346 cross-drainage works were completed.
In 1956, the number of bridges having 30.40 m linear water ways was 304. The pace of the bridge construction was speeded up and in 1991-92, there were 1,204 bridges in the State. Compared to 33,066 minor bridges in 1978, the minor bridges which included culverts also on all the categories of roads, were 97,473 at the end of 31-3-1992. By 1998 there were 97,781 culverts, 13,990 minor bridges (6-60 m} and 469 major bridges (60 m and above) built across all category of roads. As on march 2003, there were altogether 72,447 (including culverts, minor and major) bridges on the roads maintained by the PWD Department viz., National Highway, State Highway and Major District Roads. They comprised 62,757 culverts of 6mt. 10,241 minor bridges (6-30 mt.) and 449 major bridges (30 mt. and above). Among them 6,080 bridges situated on National Highways, 20,683 bridges on State Highways and 45,684 bridges on Major District Roads.
The Government has approved to upgrade 10,000 km of rural roads to that of Major District Roads and since 1995, road development in each constituency has been started as a special scheme. Since 1996, road development in Sugar factory areas has also been started. In 1995, World Bank aid being sought for State Highway improvement and NABARD loan is sought to improve rural communications in the State. The government has constituted "Karnataka Road Development Corporation" in June 99, with its registered office at Bangalore with an authorised initial share capital of Rs. 200 crores aimed at improving roads, bridges etc., with developmental programmes. It has taken 5 roads for upgradation with the financial aid of Rs. 750 crores from HUDCO.
The Flyover built in Bangalore city, linking Sirsi Circle with Corporation via City Market, the longest of its kind in Asia has reduced the traffic pressure near City Market and Mysore Cirlce considerably. Likewise other Flyovers like the one connecting Richmond Circle with Kengal Hanumanthaiah Double Road; and other Fly overs built on NH-4 near Krishnarajapuram (unique for its cablestay bridge); at Dairy circle (Hosur Raod), and Makri Circle (Bellary Road) are few more examples which reflect on the action taken by the government to improve the Traffic movement in the city. Besides this, few more Flyovers like the one on the Bannerghatta Road, another near Ananda Rao Circle etc., are under construction in the Bangalore City.
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