Tuesday, June 7 2005 15:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Citizens of Bangalore joined hands today (Jun 7, 2005) to protest against the inordinate delay in completion of the Airport Road flyover project. The delay in construction has not only inflicted everyday pain to the residents but also hinders commuters and visitors from India and abroad.

Through the hour-long silent protest from 09:00 hrs (IST) to 10:00 hrs (IST) this morning, citizens demanded completion of this project on top-priority basis and an explanation for this delay from the Government of Karnataka (GOK).

The protest was a people's movement. Residents in and around Air port Road, Domalur, Indiranagar and adjoining localities formed human chains near the abandoned flyover.

Volunteers of Public Affairs Center (PAC), (www.pacindia.org) Celebrities and children of New Horizon School joined the silent protest.

Apart from silent protest, PAC and activists of Banglore's various citizen groups have planned signature campaigns to put pressure on sleeping authorities. Citizens signed the written letters of protest, which were collected and are to be handed over to the Chief Minister Mr Dharam Singh later in the day.

Construction of the flyover started in 2002 should have been completed by April 2004. The half complete flyover stands as a mute witness to the nonchalant bureaucracy and carefree officers at the helm of affairs.

"We don't know whom to blame for the delay," says Mani from Basavanagudi. He came to Air Port road to register his protest early this morning. "I am told there is a legal rift between the contractors of the project and the Government, they have to resolve between themselves and spare us from this agony," he added.

The abandoned flyover is a bottleneck causing traffic blocks right from morning and going to schools and offices situated in this area is really tough said another resident Anuradha Rao.

Normally in Bangalore protests and rallies are followed by traffic jams, chaos and anarchy on roads. But, today's protest was silent and dignified. Aged persons participated in large numbers.

"This is just a begining. We have planned several such protests all over Bangalore to create awareness against poor infrastructure. Roads, drainage, rain water management tops the list says A Ravindra, retired Chief Secretary, GoK. Mr Ravindra is also the director of PAC Committee, Bangalore. He was seen keeping a placard - 'We want Justice'.

Asked to comment on the delay Mr Ravindra said, "The contractors have waged a legal battle against the Government of Karnataka over non-settlement of escalation of project cost. In turn, the Government has also taken the matter to the court. Meanwhile the public suffers."

'Banashakari Second Stage Citizens forum', 'Community Care' and a host of action groups from other localities in Bangalore joined the silent protest.

Samuel Paul, Sheila Premkumar and volunteers of PAC steered the campaign. Renowned artist S G Vasudev, Bhaskar Bhat, managing director of Titan, parents of cricketer Rahul Dravid and other prominent personalities in the city including Vishnuvardhan and Ramesh both Kannada movie heroes have pledged their support for the peoples movement.