The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has been directed to rework its Rs 450 crore Outer Ring Road (ORR) improvement plan after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Krishna Byre Gowda insisted on a comprehensive stakeholder review. During an inspection of the ORR, Gowda instructed officials to prepare junction-specific solutions to ease congestion, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
Junction-Specific Solutions Ordered
Gowda emphasized the need for tailored interventions at critical junctions along the 60-km ORR. He noted that generic widening or flyover construction may not address unique bottlenecks at intersections. The revised plan will focus on traffic signal optimization, lane management, and pedestrian safety measures at high-density points.
Stakeholder Review Mandated
The deputy chief minister insisted that the GBA must consult with traffic police, civic bodies, and resident welfare associations before finalizing any design. This follows complaints from commuters and local groups that previous proposals lacked transparency and ignored ground realities. The review process is expected to take at least two months.
Impact on Timeline and Budget
The rework may delay the project, originally slated for completion by 2028. However, Gowda stated that a well-planned solution is preferable to a rushed one. The Rs 450 crore budget remains unchanged, but funds may be reallocated based on junction priorities. The GBA has been asked to submit a revised feasibility report within six weeks.
According to a senior GBA official, the authority will now conduct traffic volume studies and accident data analysis at each major junction. The goal is to reduce average travel time on the ORR by 30% during peak hours, which currently sees over 200,000 vehicles daily.
