In a major relief for Bengaluru's commuters, the long-awaited full reopening of a key city-centre road is finally on the horizon. Kamaraj Road, a crucial link between Cubbon Road and the Cauvery Emporium junction on MG Road, is set to be fully accessible to two-way traffic from the first week of January 2026.
A Long Wait for Commuters Ends
The road has been partially or fully closed for over six years, since the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) took over the stretch in June 2019. The takeover was for the construction of the MG Road underground station, a part of the upcoming Pink Line of Namma Metro. Initially, BMRCL had promised to restore the road by 2023. However, this deadline was missed due to a combination of delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, complex tunnelling works, and other technical challenges.
In a temporary measure to ease pressure, BMRCL partially reopened the road in February 2025. This allowed traffic movement only on one side—from the Cauvery Emporium junction towards Commercial Street. The other portion remained with the Metro authorities for ongoing station construction and the movement of heavy machinery.
Restoration Complete, Awaiting Final Clearance
Now, the civil works are finally complete. BL Yeshwanth Chavan, BMRCL's chief public relations officer, confirmed that the entire stretch has been restored and features a new white-topped surface. "Final touches are under way, and the road will be opened after clearance from traffic police," Chavan stated. He added that approximately Rs 3 crore was spent on rebuilding the road.
A senior traffic police officer indicated that vehicles are likely to be allowed on both sides of Kamaraj Road from January 2, 2026. "This will considerably reduce travel time for those coming from Commercial Street, Dickenson Road, and Cubbon Road towards Brigade Road and MG Road," the officer explained, highlighting the expected decongestion effect in the Central Business District (CBD).
Metro Integration and Future Plans
The underground station being built, which necessitated the long closure, has been constructed using the cut-and-cover method. It will be seamlessly integrated with the existing elevated Purple Line station on MG Road, creating a major transit hub. While the construction led to the felling of more than 80 trees, BMRCL has plans to beautify the restored stretch in collaboration with private firms.
The new MG Road underground station itself is slated to become operational by the end of 2026, along with the other stations on the 21-kilometre Pink Line. The full reopening of Kamaraj Road marks a significant step towards normalising traffic flow in the heart of Bengaluru, offering a tangible solution to the chronic congestion that has plagued the area for years.
