The long-awaited construction of the Sadahalli underpass in Bengaluru is finally set to begin in January 2025, marking a significant step towards smoother travel on the busy corridor leading to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). This project will result in the removal of the lone remaining traffic signal on the Airport Road, a major bottleneck for commuters and airport-bound traffic.
Project Timeline and Key Details
According to officials from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), the tendering process for the Sadahalli underpass is currently underway. The agency has set a clear timeline, with work expected to commence on the ground by January 2025. The ambitious project is slated for completion within 18 months, targeting a finish date around mid-2026.
The underpass is designed to be a four-lane structure, ensuring adequate capacity for the high-volume traffic. The estimated cost for this critical piece of infrastructure is approximately Rs 90 crore. The primary objective is to create a seamless, signal-free flow for vehicles traveling between the Hebbal flyover and the airport, significantly cutting down travel time during peak hours.
Eliminating the Final Hurdle on Airport Road
The significance of the Sadahalli underpass cannot be overstated for Bengaluru's notorious traffic landscape. Once completed, it will eliminate the last traffic signal on the entire stretch of the Airport Road from Hebbal. This signal, located at the Sadahalli junction where the road intersects with the route to NH 648 (Old Madras Road), is a notorious point of congestion.
Currently, vehicles heading to the airport, as well as those going towards areas like Devanahalli and Chikkajala, are forced to stop at this signal. The underpass will allow through-traffic on the Airport Road to pass uninterrupted underneath the junction, while local and crossing traffic will be managed at grade level. This is expected to bring immense relief to thousands of daily commuters, cab drivers, and logistics operators.
Broader Impact and Future Connectivity
The Sadahalli underpass is not an isolated project but a crucial component of a larger infrastructure blueprint for North Bengaluru. It dovetails with other major initiatives aimed at decongesting the area. Most notably, it will integrate with the proposed peripheral ring road (PRR), a massive project intended to divert through-traffic away from the city's core.
BDA officials emphasize that the underpass design has been planned keeping this future connectivity in mind. The removal of this final signal is seen as the last piece of the puzzle in creating a truly signal-free, high-speed corridor to the international airport, which is vital for the city's economic image and daily functionality.
The commencement of work in January 2025 will, however, come with its own set of short-term challenges. Authorities will need to meticulously plan traffic diversions and management during the construction phase to minimize disruption on this vital artery. The promised payoff of an 18-month construction period is a permanent solution to a perennial problem, finally realizing the dream of an unimpeded drive to Bengaluru's airport.
