Bengaluru motorists can now use the double-decker flyover between Central Silk Board and Ragigudda Metro station after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar inaugurated the elevated corridor on Friday. The flyover was opened to traffic around 4 pm.
Project Details
The project, executed by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) at a cost of Rs 500 crore as part of Namma Metro's Yellow Line, spans 3.5 km and connects Silk Board to Ragigudda. It includes five ramps near the Silk Board junction, aimed at easing congestion. Construction of the flyover began in 2017 and was completed in April 2026. A section between Ragigudda and Silk Board was opened in July 2024. The full corridor was opened on a trial basis last week but then shut for two days to address road safety concerns. Following rectifications and formal inauguration, it has now been opened to regular traffic.
Shift in Congestion
With the flyover open, traffic congestion has shifted to adjoining areas. A senior traffic official said, "Opening the new stretch of the double-decker flyover has brought relief to motorists at Silk Board. However, congestion has shifted towards Ragigudda Metro station side. During the trial run, heavy traffic was observed on the Marenahalli Road stretch, especially near Shri Raghavendra Swamy junction. Several measures have been taken to decongest the area, including the imposition of one-way traffic on 11th Main B and regulating traffic near Ragigudda station to ease congestion at the down ramp."
Peenya Flyover Disruption
Meanwhile, commuters using the busy Peenya elevated flyover will face a three-day disruption as authorities have announced restrictions to facilitate structural integrity testing of the structure. Traffic police have imposed a complete ban on vehicular movement on Dr Sri Shivakumar Swamiji Flyover, part of NH-4, from 5 am on May 5 to 11 am on May 8, acting on a request from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The restrictions will apply along key stretches such as Kennametal Widia upper ramp to SRS down ramp, and from CMTI Junction to Parle-G Toll via the flyover. Traffic will be diverted to the surface road network. Vehicles travelling from Nelamangala towards the city will be rerouted near Kennametal factory along NH-4 below the flyover and adjoining service roads, passing through Eight Mile, Dasarahalli, Jalahalli Cross, Peenya Police Station Junction, SRS Junction, and Goraguntepalya. Those heading from CMTI towards Nelamangala will be redirected along NH-4 below the flyover via SRS Junction, Peenya Police Station Junction, Jalahalli Cross, Dasarahalli, Eight Mile, and Parle-G Toll.
Other Developments
Foundation Laid for BSK Skywalk
Foundation was laid on Friday for a circular skywalk at the busy Banashankari TTMC junction. The skywalk is intended to provide seamless access to the Green Line Metro station, the BMTC transit hub, and nearby facilities. The project, first proposed in 2019, was delayed owing to multiple factors. The junction sees thousands of pedestrians daily, many of whom cross heavy traffic, posing safety risks. BMRCL is likely to take 15 months to build the skywalk.
Commercial Complex at Gandhi Bazaar
A six-floor commercial complex with multi-level car parking facility, built at a cost of Rs 22 crore under the Bengaluru Smart City initiative, has been inaugurated at Gandhi Bazaar. The facility includes 51 shops on the ground floor and parking for 128 cars across four levels. Equipped with lifts and toilets on every floor, purified drinking water, free Wi-Fi, and a 24x7 smart parking system with real-time availability indicators, the complex also provides reserved parking for women, senior citizens, and the physically challenged. The facility has been leased for 10 years and is expected to generate Rs 15 lakh annually.
LED Lights Up Metro Pillars
In a move to enhance Bengaluru's night-time aesthetics, dynamic LED RGBW facade lighting has been launched on Namma Metro pillars. Currently, 50 pillars at MG Road, Trinity, and Anil Kumble Circle are illuminated, with plans to cover 160 pillars across key stretches such as Mysore Road, Lalbagh, and Jayanagar. The Rs 3-crore project is expected to be completed by June.
