No complete closure of Ballari Road for 18 months for elevated corridor work: BDA

The Hebbal Flyover and Ballari Road corridor will not be completely closed for 18 months to facilitate the construction of the elevated corridor, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) clarified on Saturday (November 7). Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) said vehicular movement would continue with limited lane restrictions and phased traffic diversions.

The clarification comes amid concerns over the traffic disruption expected during the construction period. The elevated corridor is part of the BDA’s larger Integrated Tunnel and Elevated Corridor Project, aimed at easing congestion along the city’s crucial northern corridor connecting Bengaluru with Kempegowda International Airport. However, the project has also drawn considerable public criticism since it was announced.

The BTP sources said restrictions would apply only to the movement of heavy vehicles between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., while other motorists would merely be “advised” to take alternative routes. Public transport vehicles and school buses would also be allowed to use the stretch.

The BDA said barricading would be restricted to a lane approximately 4.5 metres wide, affecting only one of the three existing lanes in each direction. The remaining two lanes and the service road would remain open to traffic.

The concern, however, is that the 4.5-metre-wide lane is part of one of the main carriageways and accounts for 35% of the traffic movement on the stretch at any given time. Consequently, the restrictions are likely to worsen congestion, irrespective of the timing of their implementation. At least 20% of the traffic will therefore need to be diverted to prevent gridlock along the stretch.

“Even without civic works, the stretch witnesses prolonged congestion during peak hours. So, with civic works, the need for traffic diversion is essential,” a police source said.

This makes the advisory to use alternative routes necessary. However, the identified alternate routes are also in poor condition. The BTP has now written to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and the BDA, requesting them to asphalt the alternative routes to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles and prevent congestion.

“Routes through New BEL Road and R.T. Nagar Station Road are among those being considered for improvement. Officials have also been asked to identify bottlenecks, improve road surfaces, and install adequate signage and road markings,” the BDA said.