Commuters raise safety concerns after a heavy iron structure was seen hanging above vehicles on the Veeranapalya–Hebbal flyover during ongoing metro construction
Bengaluru: A serious safety concern has surfaced on the busy stretch connecting Veeranapalya and Hebbal, where metro construction work is currently underway. Commuters travelling along the flyover were left alarmed after witnessing a massive iron structure being lifted by a crane directly above the road while vehicles continued to move beneath it.
The construction activity, which is part of the ongoing metro expansion project in the area, has triggered concern among the public as basic safety precautions appeared to be inadequate during the lifting operation.
Heavy Iron Structure Suspended Above Traffic
Eyewitnesses at the site reported that a large sheet-like iron structure used in the construction of metro pillars was being lifted using a crane. The massive object remained suspended mid-air while motorists, including two-wheeler riders and car drivers, were passing below the work zone.
Despite the presence of heavy traffic along the route, the lifting process continued without completely halting vehicular movement, significantly increasing the risk for commuters travelling through the stretch.
Many motorists expressed shock after seeing the iron structure hanging directly above the road, raising fears that even a minor mistake during the operation could lead to a serious accident.
Temporary Barricades Raise Safety Questions
Workers at the site had reportedly placed plastic drums along the roadside in an attempt to divert vehicles slightly away from the construction area. However, commuters said the arrangement appeared insufficient given the scale of the lifting work being carried out.
While the drums were intended to guide vehicles away from the immediate work zone, they did not prevent motorists from passing directly under the suspended iron structure.
Experts say that lifting heavy construction materials above active traffic zones without full barricading or traffic diversion can pose significant safety risks.
Busy Flyover Raises Risk Level
The stretch between Veeranapalya and Hebbal is one of the busiest traffic corridors in north Bengaluru, witnessing continuous movement of cars, buses, trucks and two-wheelers throughout the day.
During the operation, the iron structure, believed to be part of pillar construction work for the metro line, remained suspended above the road as the crane maneuvered it into position.
If such a heavy object were to slip or fall accidentally, commuters warned that the consequences could be catastrophic, potentially resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities.
Public Raises Concern Over Safety Measures
Several people who witnessed the activity criticised what they described as careless execution of construction work, questioning why traffic was not completely diverted during the lifting process.
“Our lives were literally under threat while passing through the flyover. Heavy construction materials should never be lifted above moving traffic,” a commuter said.
The incident has sparked discussions about the need for stricter safety protocols at large infrastructure project sites, especially in densely populated urban areas with heavy traffic movement.
