Blurb
The newly completed bridge will ease traffic congestion and significantly reduce travel delays.
BENGALURU
After nearly two years of delays, technical hurdles, and public inconvenience, the long-pending Goripalya–Hosahalli railway bridge is finally ready, offering relief to thousands of commuters relying on this crucial west Bengaluru corridor. The railways undertook the project after the old structure was declared weak and beyond its usable lifespan.
A senior railway official said the tender for the project was floated in 2023 and is now complete. The original estimated cost was around Rs 6 crore, with an 18-month completion timeline. However, demolition uncovered unauthorised live electricity cables beneath the bridge, which carried power from Vijayanagar to Goripalya and lacked formal documentation. Laying nine new lines and obtaining approvals delayed construction by nearly eight months.
Venkat Reddy, contractor and founder of TrenZet Infra Limited, said demolition concluded in three weeks, after which construction of the bridge and approach roads progressed in phases. The project features nearly 200 metres of approach roads, concrete stretches on the Vijayanagar side, kerb work, and installation of 20 streetlights, all executed by the railways.
Due to additional work and prolonged delays, the overall project cost rose to about Rs 12 crore. During construction, residents of Goripalya, Hosahalli, and nearby areas faced severe disruptions. Commuters had to take long detours, worsening traffic congestion, and schoolchildren and working professionals were among the most affected.
With the bridge now operational, daily travel time has significantly reduced, and traffic flow along the previously congested corridor is expected to improve immediately, marking a major milestone for west Bengaluru commuters.