Key Infrastructure Project Finally Complete
Bengaluru residents can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the long-delayed Panathur-Balagere stretch of the Outer Ring Road is set to reopen for traffic starting Monday. The crucial road segment had been closed for concrete surfering work that had been pending for several years.
Conflicting Announcements Create Confusion
The road reopening process saw some confusion on Saturday when traffic police released an advisory indicating further delays. The advisory specifically mentioned ongoing works by KPTCL, BWSSB, and Bescom as reasons for the extended closure, stating that a new reopening date would be announced shortly and requesting public cooperation.
However, in a positive turn of events, DCP Sahil Bagla (east) clarified to Times of India that based on the Greater Bengaluru Authority's confirmation of work completion, the decision has been made to allow traffic movement from Monday. The police official acknowledged the chaos and lack of clarity surrounding the road closure that prompted their earlier delay announcement.
Significant Traffic Relief Expected
The reopening of this vital road connection is expected to provide substantial relief to Bengaluru's notorious traffic problems. DCP Bagla emphasized that restoring traffic on this route will significantly reduce the burden on Old Airport Road, particularly at the congested Marthahalli-Varthur stretch that has been bearing the brunt of diverted traffic.
The Greater Bengaluru Authority had initially taken up the concretisation work at Panathur S-Cross back in October, marking the culmination of a project that had been delayed for years. The completion of this infrastructure project represents a major step forward in addressing Bengaluru's persistent traffic challenges and improving urban mobility for thousands of daily commuters.
