In a significant move to tackle chronic traffic congestion, Bengaluru is gearing up for a major infrastructure overhaul on the busy Ballari Road. The ambitious plan involves constructing two parallel projects—a short tunnel and an elevated corridor—to ease movement between Hebbal and Mehkri Circle, a notorious bottleneck in north Bengaluru.
The Twin-Pronged Traffic Solution
The proposed solution is a two-part integrated system designed to keep through-traffic flowing smoothly. The first component is a 2.2-kilometre short tunnel planned between Hebbal and the veterinary college. This underground passage will feature three lanes on each side, specifically intended to siphon off vehicles that need to bypass the crowded surface junctions above.
The second component is a 1.2-kilometre elevated corridor (flyover) proposed to stretch from the UAS staff quarters to Mehkri Circle. This structure will be a two-lane, bi-directional flyover, allowing vehicles to glide over the congested surface roads.
Seamless Integrated Movement Design
The brilliance of the plan lies in its integration. The two structures are not isolated projects but are designed to function as a single, cohesive traffic system. Vehicles exiting the Hebbal tunnel will gain direct access to the elevated corridor. This design ensures a smooth, uninterrupted journey towards Mehkri Circle without the need to merge back into the chaotic surface-level traffic.
The primary beneficiaries will be motorists travelling from the airport side towards central Bengaluru. This new route promises a faster and far less congested alternative to the existing surface roads, offering much-needed relief for airport-bound commuters and those heading into the city centre.
Enhanced Connectivity and Future Scope
At Mehkri Circle, the elevated corridor will incorporate rotary-style up and down ramps. This is expected to significantly improve access to other key arteries like Jayamahal Road and CV Raman Road, helping distribute traffic more evenly across the city's network.
Looking ahead, there is already scope for further expansion. Authorities envision the possibility of linking this new elevated corridor to a proposed east-west elevated road that would connect KR Pura and Yeshwanthpur. This would strengthen Bengaluru's long-term road network strategy.
It is important to note that the new infrastructure will complement, not replace, existing routes. Motorists heading towards the Cauvery Theatre side will continue to use the current underpass, ensuring all traffic patterns are accommodated.
A Broader Push for Elevated and Underground Solutions
This project is part of a larger trend in Bengaluru's urban planning. Alongside the Ballari Road plan, tenders have been floated for a separate, massive 17-kilometre tunnel road from Hebbal to Central Silk Board. This indicates a clear and broader strategic push by the city's planners toward adopting elevated and underground solutions to its perennial surface-level traffic woes.
The planned upgrade for Ballari Road, with its integrated tunnel and flyover, represents a critical step in reshaping Bengaluru's traffic landscape. If executed successfully, it could serve as a model for decongesting other high-density corridors in the rapidly growing metropolis.
