Karnataka Minister for Housing and Public Works V Somanna officially inaugurated the newly constructed underbridge at Ramohalli Gate on Bengaluru's Mysuru Road on Tuesday. The 884-crore-rupee project is expected to significantly reduce traffic bottlenecks at one of the city's most congested junctions.
Project Scope and Features
The underbridge spans approximately 1.2 kilometres and includes four lanes, along with dedicated service roads and pedestrian pathways. It has been designed to handle the heavy vehicle movement that frequently plagues the National Highway 275 stretch connecting Bengaluru to Mysuru. According to the Karnataka Public Works Department, the project was completed in 28 months, three months ahead of schedule.
Key features include a state-of-the-art drainage system to prevent waterlogging during monsoon, energy-efficient LED lighting, and advanced traffic management systems. The structure can support up to 40-tonne axle loads, ensuring durability for long-term use.
Traffic Impact and Benefits
The underbridge is expected to cut travel time by nearly 15 minutes during peak hours for commuters heading towards Kengeri, Bidadi, and beyond. Officials estimate that around 1.5 lakh vehicles pass through Ramohalli Gate daily, and the new infrastructure will streamline traffic flow by separating local and express traffic. The Bengaluru Traffic Police have also redesigned signal timings at adjacent junctions to maximise the benefit.
Residents of nearby areas like Nayandahalli and Achalu have long complained about gridlock, especially during festival seasons. The underbridge, combined with an existing flyover, creates a continuous elevated corridor of over 3 kilometres on Mysuru Road.
Inauguration Ceremony and Statements
During the inauguration, Minister Somanna highlighted the government's commitment to urban infrastructure. He stated that the project was part of a larger plan to invest Rs 2,500 crore in Bengaluru road upgrades over the next two years. “This underbridge will not only decongest Ramohalli Gate but also improve connectivity to the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor,” he told the gathering.
Local MLAs and corporators were present, acknowledging the long-pending demand for the project. The underbridge is expected to boost economic activity in the region, particularly for industries in the Bidadi Industrial Area.
Construction Challenges
The project faced several hurdles, including land acquisition delays and utility shifting. Nearly 70 families were relocated, and compensation was disbursed as per government norms. During construction, traffic diversions caused temporary inconvenience, but authorities ensured minimal disruption by completing work in phases.
Engineers from the Public Works Department adopted modern construction techniques, including the use of precast segments to speed up work. The total cost included Rs 650 crore for the structure and the balance for road widening and ancillary works.
Future Plans
With this underbridge operational, the Karnataka government plans to initiate similar projects at other critical junctions like Magadi Road and Kanakapura Road. A feasibility study for an underpass at the challenging Banashankari BDA Complex is also underway. The aim is to transform Bengaluru's road infrastructure to match its status as India's tech capital.
