Bengaluru has taken a significant step towards alleviating its notorious traffic congestion with the partial opening of South India’s first double-decker rail-cum-road flyover. The innovative structure, which stretches from Ragigudda to Central Silk Board, was inaugurated for trial runs on Wednesday by Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D K Shivakumar, alongside Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and other officials.
Constructed at a cost of INR 449 crore by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), this double-decker flyover is expected to transform the bustling Central Silk Board Junction—a notorious bottleneck that sees heavy vehicular traffic on the Outer Ring Road and Hosur Road. The flyover aims to facilitate smoother traffic flow and significantly reduce congestion, benefiting the daily commuters who face frustrating delays.
The new 5.12 km rail-cum-road flyover by BMRCL features efficient loops and ramps, enabling signal-free travel from Ragigudda to HSR Layout and Hosur Road. This infrastructure is set to reduce travel time by over 30%, significantly enhancing productivity and quality of life in Bengaluru. While one side is open for traffic, ramps connecting HSR Layout to Ragigudda and BTM Layout, covering an additional 1.37 km, are still under construction and expected to be completed by June 2025. For daily commuters facing frustrating traffic, this flyover symbolizes hope for better connectivity and reduced transit stress in the city.
Sustainability is also a crucial aspect of this project. By reducing traffic congestion, the double-decker flyover has the potential to lower vehicle emissions significantly, contributing to a cleaner environment. It represents a forward-thinking approach to urban planning, merging transportation needs with ecological considerations. The BMRCL’s initiative serves as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges, showcasing how innovative engineering can lead to sustainable urban development.
