Bengaluru is set to witness the demolition of another major flyover as part of efforts to tackle the city's growing traffic congestion. The Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-Smile) has announced plans to dismantle the existing IOC Junction flyover, which was constructed by the railways in 2001-02, and replace it with a new elevated rotary flyover worth Rs 436 crore. This project is aimed at improving traffic flow in east Bengaluru, a region that has long struggled with vehicular congestion.
Traffic Disruptions Expected
The demolition and subsequent construction are expected to cause significant traffic disruptions across several key stretches. Roads such as Dodda Banaswadi Road, Byappanahalli Road, and Kammanahalli Road, along with nearby connecting routes, are likely to be heavily affected. These areas already experience high vehicular movement during peak hours, and the project could exacerbate the situation temporarily.
Diversion Plan in Place
Officials have stated that a detailed traffic diversion and management plan will be prepared in coordination with multiple civic and transport agencies. This plan will be implemented before construction begins on the elevated rotary flyover to minimize inconvenience to commuters. The aim is to ensure that traffic flow is managed as smoothly as possible during the project period.
New Railway Overbridge Planned
In addition to the rotary flyover, B-Smile is also planning to construct a new railway overbridge on Byappanahalli Road, which will connect to Old Madras Road. This development is expected to improve access to Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal, one of Bengaluru's busiest railway stations. The overbridge will address long-standing connectivity issues and provide a direct route for commuters heading to the terminal.
Enhanced Terminal Connectivity
According to B-Smile officials, the new elevated rotary flyover is designed to provide seamless connectivity to Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal from multiple directions. The project aims to resolve last-mile connectivity problems that have persisted due to narrow approach roads and limited access routes. Once completed, the flyover is expected to significantly ease movement for both local and long-distance travelers.
Project Cost Escalation
The cost of the project has increased sharply from the initially proposed Rs 263 crore in 2023 to the current Rs 436 crore. This escalation is attributed to revisions in the project design, the inclusion of GST, and the addition of a new 1.5-km flyover from Maruthi Seva Nagar Road. This additional flyover is intended to separate local traffic from long-distance commuters heading towards the railway terminal, further improving traffic efficiency.
Construction Challenges Ahead
K-Ride, the agency implementing the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project through IOC Junction, has already issued a no-objection certificate for the demolition and construction. However, officials have acknowledged that the construction will be technically challenging due to the presence of several active railway lines in the surrounding area. Careful planning and coordination will be required to ensure safety and minimize disruptions to train services.
