Mysuru: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Mysuru subdivision, has proposed the removal of 33 trees to facilitate construction of a Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Level Crossing 1 (LC-1) on the Mysuru-Chamarajanagar railway line near Kukkarahalli Lake Junction.

The proposal has sparked concern among environmentalists and heritage experts because the project falls within a historically significant area around Kukkarahalli Lake and near heritage structures, including Crawford Hall.

The Assistant Executive Engineer of the NHAI Mysuru subdivision has approached the Forest Department seeking permission to remove the trees to facilitate the project.

Forest Department invites public objections

Following the proposal, the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) and Tree Officer of the Mysuru division have issued a notification inviting objections and responses from members of the public.

The invitation has been issued under Section 8(3) VII of the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act, 1976, as amended in 2014.

Members of the public can submit their objections until September 2 at 6 pm.

Objections can be emailed to [email protected] or submitted in writing to the Tree Officer, ACF, Mysuru division, Aranya Bhavan, Ashokapuram, Mysuru-570008.

The public consultation comes as authorities prepare to proceed with the RUB project, which has been proposed as a permanent alternative to the existing railway level crossing.

33 trees proposed for removal

The NHAI has identified trees at different locations around LC-1 and along the stretch between Kautilya Circle and Padma Circle for removal.

The proposal includes nine trees on the roadside near LC-1. These include a Gobbaragida or Mexican lilac, four Honge or Indian Beech trees, a Rain tree, a Neem tree, a Peltophorum tree and a Tapasi or Indian Elm.

Two Gaali Chanda trees have also been included in the list.

Three trees located on railway property at LC-1 are proposed to be removed. These include a Halasu, Mango and Arali tree.

The proposal also covers trees along both sides of the road between Kautilya Circle and Padma Circle.

Ten trees on the left side towards Padma Circle have been identified, including an Aladamara or Banyan tree, a Cherry tree, Honge trees, four Peltophorum trees, a Tapasi tree and two Gaali Chanda trees.

Another 10 trees on the right side have also been proposed for removal. These include Spethodia, Honge, Gaali Chanda, Sissoo and Arali trees.

The Forest Department’s notification now provides an opportunity for residents and other stakeholders to raise objections before any final permission is granted.

Heritage and environmental concerns

The proposed tree removal has triggered apprehension among environmentalists and heritage experts, who are concerned about the potential impact of the project on the character of the Kukkarahalli Lake precinct.

Kukkarahalli Lake is regarded as an important natural and cultural landmark in Mysuru. The surroundings have also been associated with literary figures such as Kuvempu and R K Narayan.

The proposed RUB is also located close to heritage structures such as Crawford Hall, adding to concerns about the impact of major infrastructure work on the area’s historical character.

Greens and heritage experts have suggested an alternative approach before proceeding with the project.

They have proposed temporarily closing LC-1 for one year and diverting traffic through alternative routes, including Kalamandira Road, Vinoba Road and the Saraswathipuram Fire Brigade Road.

According to the proposal, traffic movement could be studied during the closure to assess whether existing roads can accommodate the additional vehicles. Based on the findings, authorities could then decide whether construction of the RUB is necessary.

Officials cite railway safety requirements

PWD and NHAI officials, however, have maintained that the project is necessary to improve road and railway safety as well as connectivity.

Railway authorities have a target of replacing level crossings with Road Over Bridges (ROBs) or RUBs by 2030.

The proposed Kukkarahalli RUB is being taken up under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) Setu Bandhan Scheme of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Officials have estimated the project cost at Rs 38.29 crore.

The project has also been linked to an earlier assurance given by the state government. In 2020, former MLC Sandesh Nagaraj had raised the issue in the Karnataka Legislative Council, following which the then Chief Minister had assured that the project would be implemented.

Officials said the proposal is also aimed at addressing long-standing public demands for improved connectivity in the area.

LC-1 witnesses heavy train movement

The railway crossing at LC-1 is an important connection between Banumaiah College and Gaddige Road Junction, providing access towards Vijayanagar Third Stage, Bogadi and other parts of Mysuru.

The railway gate currently creates delays for motorists whenever trains pass through the crossing.

According to railway officials, 14 trains operate on this stretch, including seven trains towards Chamarajanagar, one towards Nanjangud and six towards Ashokpuram railway station.

These trains make a total of 28 trips a day on the stretch.

Commuters are reportedly required to wait for around five minutes each time the railway gate is closed.

Railway authorities have calculated the Train Vehicle Units (TVU) at LC-1 at around 2.15 lakh.

Under the applicable railway safety criteria, a level crossing is considered for replacement with an ROB or RUB when the product of the number of trains passing through the crossing and the number of road vehicles using it daily exceeds 1 lakh TVU.

The figure cited by railway officials is therefore more than double that threshold.

Traffic diversion remains a concern

While the RUB is expected to reduce delays at the railway crossing, environmental and heritage groups have pointed out that the alternative roads suggested for traffic diversion are already experiencing congestion.

Kalamandira Road, Vinoba Road and the Saraswathipuram Fire Brigade Road are among the routes that could face additional pressure if LC-1 is closed for an extended period.

This has prompted calls for a detailed traffic assessment before the project moves forward.

Authorities will now have to balance the need for safer railway crossings and improved connectivity with concerns over tree removal, traffic management and preservation of Mysuru’s heritage landscape.

The public consultation provides residents and other stakeholders an opportunity to submit their views before the Forest Department decides on the tree-felling permission.

With the deadline for objections set for September 2, the response from environmental groups, heritage experts and local residents could play an important role in determining how the proposed RUB project proceeds.