— The Karnataka government has paused planned restrictions on two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws using Bengaluru’s Airport Road elevated corridor and Electronics City elevated expressway after traffic diversions caused queues, conflicts and congestion on adjoining roads.
The decision follows a preliminary assessment by the Bengaluru Traffic Police, which found that the simultaneous diversion of goods vehicles, two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws created traffic problems at key diversion points. The restrictions will now be introduced in phases rather than implemented at once.
Two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws will continue to be allowed on the Airport Road elevated corridor. The corridor runs between Sanjeev Nagar Cross and Vidyashilpa Junction. A similar phased approach will be used on the Electronics City Elevated Corridor, where restrictions had been scheduled to begin on September 11.
According to the Bengaluru Traffic Police, goods vehicles will face restrictions during prescribed timings in the first phase on the Electronics City corridor. Two-wheelers will remain permitted initially. The police said further restrictions would be introduced in a calibrated manner based on traffic flow, road safety and the effect on adjoining roads.
The preliminary assessment found that diversions linked to the Airport Road flyover affected traffic on nearby at-grade roads. The movement of goods vehicles, two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws away from the elevated corridor reportedly contributed to queues and congestion at diversion points. The government’s phased approach is intended to allow traffic conditions to be assessed before additional restrictions are introduced.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police has advised two-wheeler riders using the elevated corridors to predominantly use the leftmost lane, maintain lane discipline and avoid unsafe overtaking. Riders have also been directed to comply with a speed limit of 60 kmph.
The revised approach applies to two major elevated routes while restrictions already implemented on other flyovers have not been similarly reversed, according to the police. Traffic movement on the Sirsi Circle, or BGS, flyover; the Peenya flyover; and the Ragigudda-Silk Board Junction double-decker flyover was assessed as smooth after restrictions were introduced.
The government’s decision means that access rules for Bengaluru’s major flyovers will be rolled out progressively instead of through simultaneous diversions of multiple vehicle categories. Goods-vehicle restrictions will be the initial step on the Electronics City Elevated Corridor, while two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws will continue to use the route for now.
