In a major relief for commuters and businesses, Bengaluru's crucial Kamaraj Road stretch has been fully reopened to vehicular traffic after a prolonged six-year closure. The arterial link between MG Road and Cubbon Road was inaugurated on Friday, marking the completion of a significant infrastructure hurdle related to the Namma Metro's Pink Line.
A Long-Awaited Reopening
The road had been shut down to facilitate the construction of the underground MG Road Metro station, a key part of the upcoming Pink Line network. The reopening process was carried out in phases. One side of the road, handling traffic from the Cauvery Emporium side towards Cubbon Road, was opened in June 2024. The final piece of the puzzle—the parallel carriageway for vehicles moving from Cubbon Road towards Brigade Road—was thrown open to the public on Friday, completing the restoration of this vital corridor.
Infrastructure Details and Impact
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), in a press release, provided details of the reconstructed section. The newly opened road now spans 214 metres in length, with each carriageway offering a minimum width of 11 metres. The construction required significant environmental adjustment, with over 80 trees removed from either side of the road to build the underground station.
Authorities are optimistic about the immediate benefits. The reopening is expected to substantially ease traffic congestion in the heart of the city and improve overall accessibility. Traffic police officials highlighted that the move will bolster connectivity between key commercial hubs, particularly enhancing access between the bustling Commercial Street and Brigade Road areas. This is anticipated to streamline movement and reduce travel time for thousands of daily commuters and shoppers.
Boosting Connectivity and Commerce
The full operationalization of Kamaraj Road is more than just a traffic solution; it's a boost for local commerce and urban mobility. For six years, businesses and pedestrians navigated detours and congestion. Now, the restored flow is set to rejuvenate the area, making travel between some of Bengaluru's most popular shopping and business districts smoother and more efficient. The completion of this surface-level work is a positive step forward as the city continues to build its underground Metro network, balancing development with daily civic life.
