Bengaluru, November 6: Commuters in Bengaluru are bracing for prolonged traffic disruptions as construction of a four-lane elevated corridor on Ballari Road begins on November 6. The project, expected to continue for 18 months, is likely to make travel between the city and Kempegowda International Airport significantly more challenging.
The elevated corridor will stretch from UAS Staff Quarters to Mekhri Circle, covering an important stretch of one of Bengaluru's busiest arterial roads. To facilitate construction and manage traffic movement, the traffic police have introduced several restrictions and alternative routes from Friday.
The restrictions are expected to put additional pressure on Hebbal, a major traffic bottleneck in the city. Thousands of vehicles use this route every day to travel between the airport, northern Bengaluru and central parts of the city. With traffic being diverted to alternative roads, commuters may experience longer journey times, particularly during morning and evening peak hours.
Under the new traffic arrangements, the movement of all goods vehicles, including light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, will be completely prohibited on Ballari Road. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private buses will also not be allowed to use the restricted stretch.
For motorists travelling from Hebbal towards the airport, the suggested alternative route passes through Old High Grounds Junction, Kalpana Junction, Old Udaya TV Junction, Cantonment Railway Station, Tannery Road and Nagawara Road before connecting to the airport route.
Vehicles travelling from Yeshwanthpur towards the airport will have to take Mattikere Road, turn right at BEL Circle and proceed through the Ring Road.
For commuters travelling from the airport towards central Bengaluru, one option is to take a left turn at Hebbal and proceed through Nagawara Junction, Bamboo Bazaar and Queens Road. Another alternative is to use the Hebbal Ring Road towards Kuvempu Circle and Goraguntepalya Junction before continuing via Dr Rajkumar Road.
The authorities have also recommended alternative routes for motorists travelling towards Yeshwanthpur, Anand Nagar, RT Nagar and Jayamahal Road.
However, vehicles descending from the Hebbal Flyover towards Bengaluru City will be permitted to use the service road in front of Baptist Hospital up to CBI Junction before joining Ballari Main Road.
The 18-month construction period is expected to test the city's traffic management system. Any delay in completing the project could further extend the inconvenience for residents, daily commuters, public transport users and airport passengers.
Authorities will need to ensure effective traffic regulation and strict enforcement of diversions to minimise congestion during the construction period. For thousands of Bengaluru residents, the next year and a half could mean longer journeys and careful travel planning.
Reader Comments 0