NHAI Announces Major Infrastructure Upgrade for Bengaluru's Hosur Road
In a significant move to address chronic traffic congestion, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved the construction of three-lane service roads along the entire stretch of Hosur Road (NH-44) in Bengaluru. This strategic infrastructure project is designed to maintain smooth traffic flow while major grade-separator works are executed at four critical junctions along this vital transportation artery.
Addressing Traffic Disruption During Construction
The decision comes as NHAI undertakes ambitious construction activities at three key locations: Guestline Circle, Guddahatti Gate, and Chandapura, with work yet to commence at Veerasandra. The primary objective involves building six-lane underpasses on the main carriageway to eliminate accident-prone black spots and enhance long-term traffic efficiency on this corridor, which carries over 1.2 lakh passenger car units daily.
"Hosur Road represents one of Bengaluru's busiest corridors, with a substantial portion comprising heavy trucks and trailers," explained an NHAI official. "Executing underpass construction on the main carriageway will inevitably disrupt traffic flow. Therefore, we must divert vehicles onto upgraded three-lane service roads until completion. The existing two-lane service roads will be widened accordingly."
Emergency Response to Previous Incidents
The urgency for this project intensified following a February 5 cave-in incident near Chandapura, where approximately 100 meters of road collapsed during excavation work, causing complete traffic paralysis. In response, NHAI has deployed geotechnical experts to supervise all excavation activities and is constructing retaining walls to prevent future soil collapses.
Additionally, the authority is addressing severe waterlogging issues that plagued the Veerasandra junction during last year's monsoon season. The flooding near White Feather Factory created dangerous traffic chaos and safety concerns, prompting NHAI to propose a comprehensive box culvert solution. Officials report that nearly 90% of the precast box culvert work is already completed, with preliminary activities continuing as they await final traffic-diversion clearance from local police authorities.
Comprehensive Traffic Management Strategy
With excavation on the main carriageway expected to cause significant disruption, NHAI's plan involves diverting vehicles onto widened three-lane service roads on both sides of the highway until underpass construction concludes. This will involve developing approximately 7 kilometers of enhanced service roads by expanding the existing two-lane stretches.
"The proposal has been formally submitted to NHAI headquarters, and construction will commence shortly," confirmed the official. This proactive approach aims to prevent the kind of gridlock that has previously affected this crucial transportation corridor, ensuring that Bengaluru's commuters experience minimal inconvenience during these essential infrastructure improvements.
