In a significant move to tackle chronic traffic snarls, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has initiated a major infrastructure push on one of north Bengaluru's most critical arteries. The authority has floated separate tenders for two high-cost projects—a short tunnel and an elevated corridor—along Ballari Road, targeting the congested stretch between Hebbal and Mehkri Circle.
Project Details and Massive Investment
The BDA's plan involves two distinct but integrated structures. The first is a 1.2-kilometre, two-lane, bi-directional elevated corridor that will run from the staff quarters of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) to Mehkri Circle. This project carries an estimated price tag of Rs 403.3 crore.
The second, and more expensive, component is a 2.2-kilometre short tunnel designed to connect Hebbal to the veterinary college area. Officials have estimated the cost of constructing this tunnel at a staggering Rs 1,240 crore. Combined, the two projects represent a total investment of over Rs 1,643 crore in the city's mobility infrastructure.
An Integrated Solution for Airport-Bound Traffic
The core objective of these projects is to create a seamless route for vehicles travelling from the direction of Kempegowda International Airport towards Mehkri Circle and beyond. The design ensures that vehicles exiting the proposed tunnel will have direct access to the elevated corridor, allowing them to completely bypass the heavily congested surface roads below.
The elevated corridor will feature rotary-style up and down ramps at Mehkri Circle, providing crucial connectivity to Jayamahal Road and CV Raman Road heading towards Yeshwanthpur. BDA officials have also revealed that there is a future plan to link this new corridor with the proposed east-west elevated road connecting KR Pura and Yeshwanthpur.
Construction Method and Existing Structures
The planned short tunnel will be built using the cut-and-cover method and will be a six-lane structure, with three lanes on either side. Importantly, the BDA has stated that the existing overpasses between the UAS staff quarters and Mehkri Circle will be retained. Motorists heading towards the Cauvery Theatre side will continue to use the existing underpass, ensuring minimal disruption to current traffic patterns.
Officials explained that the decision to float tenders came after observing a shift in congestion patterns. While traffic eased at the Hebbal junction following the recent construction of an additional ramp, it subsequently worsened at Mehkri Circle, necessitating this new intervention.
Broader Tunnel Vision and Immediate Relief
In a related development, B-SMILE has also floated tenders for the massive 17-kilometre tunnel road project stretching from Hebbal to Central Silk Board. The bids for this mega-project are currently under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, commuters received immediate relief with the inauguration of a new ramp at the Hebbal flyover junction. The 1.25-kilometre ramp, integrated with two older loops, was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Authorities claim this new infrastructure will help reduce traffic congestion at the junction by up to 30 percent.
This ramp specifically aids motorists coming from the Nagawara side, the Esteem Mall service road, and Tumakuru Road via the Outer Ring Road (ORR), enabling a smoother journey to Mehkri Circle. Although this project was conceived nearly a decade ago, its completion was delayed due to various procedural and on-ground challenges.
The latest tenders for the tunnel and elevated corridor mark a fresh and determined attempt by Bengaluru's civic authorities to untangle one of the city's most notorious traffic bottlenecks, promising a faster commute for thousands, especially those heading to and from the international airport.
