The Karnataka government has paused restrictions on two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws on Bengaluru’s Airport Road elevated corridor and deferred a similar ban on the Electronics City elevated expressway after diversions triggered traffic conflicts, queues and congestion, according to the Bengaluru Traffic Police.
The decision follows a preliminary assessment of traffic conditions after goods vehicles, two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws were diverted at the same time. The disruptions affected diversion points and adjoining at-grade roads near the International Airport Road flyover, between Sanjeev Nagar Cross and Vidyashilpa Junction.
Under the revised plan, the restrictions will be introduced in phases. Goods vehicles will face restrictions during prescribed peak-hour timings in the first phase, while two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws will continue to be allowed on the Airport Road elevated corridor. A similar phased approach will begin on the Electronics City Elevated Corridor from September 11, with goods-vehicle restrictions introduced initially.
The Karnataka government had been moving towards restrictions on major flyovers in Bengaluru to manage traffic movement and road safety. However, the initial diversion arrangements produced conflicts between different categories of vehicles and increased pressure on roads running alongside the elevated corridors.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police has advised two-wheeler riders using the corridors to remain predominantly in the leftmost lane, maintain lane discipline, avoid unsafe overtaking and follow the prescribed speed limit of 60 kmph. The police said the remaining restrictions would be introduced in a calibrated manner based on traffic flow, road safety and the effect on adjoining roads.
The revised approach applies specifically to the Airport Road and Electronics City elevated corridors. Traffic movement on the Sirsi Circle, or BGS, flyover, the Peenya flyover and the Ragigudda-Silk Board Junction double-decker flyover was found to be smooth after restrictions were implemented, the police said.
The next phase of restrictions on the Electronics City Elevated Corridor is scheduled to begin on September 11, with the authorities continuing to assess traffic conditions before introducing further vehicle controls.
