Traffic Chaos Returns to Bengaluru's Hebbal Flyover as Road Work Remains Incomplete
Just days after motorists in Bengaluru experienced a brief respite with smoother traffic movement on the Hebbal flyover, the situation returned to a frustrating crawl on Tuesday. The renewed congestion was directly attributed to the Greater Bengaluru Authority's (GBA) failure to complete critical asphalting work on the stretch leading towards Yelahanka and Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).
Unfinished Road Resurfacing Due to Unexpected Rain
The GBA had initiated road resurfacing work by digging up the stretch, aiming to take advantage of the long weekend when traffic volumes were relatively low. The agency had planned to complete the asphalting by Monday midnight. However, a spell of rain late Monday afternoon forced workers to halt the project midway, leaving only half of the stretch properly asphalted. This incomplete work set the stage for Tuesday's traffic nightmare.
Peak Hour Bottlenecks and Police Interventions
During Tuesday morning peak hours, vehicles were forced to move at a snail's pace, with traffic towards Yelahanka and KIA described as bumper-to-bumper. A senior police officer noted that the return of office-goers after the long holiday weekend significantly exacerbated the congestion. The traffic snarl stretched up to the CBI junction, slightly ahead of Mehkri Circle.
In response, traffic police attempted to manage the situation by diverting some vehicles via alternative routes, including the Sadashivnagar police station junction–BEL Road–Ring Road–Kodigehalli to rejoin Ballari Road. Despite these advisories, many motorists persisted in using the Hebbal flyover, further aggravating the gridlock.
Temporary Reverse Traffic System Implemented
By afternoon, the traffic police implemented a temporary reverse traffic system on the flyover. One stretch was closed to city-bound vehicles coming from KIA and instead opened to vehicles heading towards Yelahanka and KIA. Vehicles travelling towards the city were diverted via the KR Puram loop.
A police official explained, "We allowed vehicles on two stretches to move towards Yelahanka and KIA. While this eased traffic from the city side, it affected vehicles entering the city." This measure created a bottleneck where traffic from the KIA expressway and the Kodigehalli service road merged beneath the flyover with vehicles from the KR Puram loop.
Safety Concerns and Expected Resolution
The temporary reverse system was withdrawn by 5:30 PM due to safety concerns. Police highlighted that with vehicles moving closely in opposite directions, headlights could distract drivers and riders, posing a significant risk. Authorities have taken up the issue with GBA officials, who assured that the unfinished asphalting work would be completed Tuesday night. Police added, "We expect traffic conditions to return to normal by Wednesday morning."
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in managing Bengaluru's traffic infrastructure, particularly when weather disruptions impact planned maintenance work, leading to widespread inconvenience for commuters.
