Bengaluru’s KR Pura Tin Factory Junction is set for a proposed comprehensive redevelopment after development minister Krishna Byre Gowda directed officials to prepare a master plan for the congested intersection. The plan will focus on easing traffic, improving pedestrian access and integrating public transport amid ongoing Metro construction.
Byre Gowda issued the direction during an inspection of the junction on Saturday as part of the second phase of the Ward One campaign. Officials have been asked to prepare a people-centric and pedestrian-friendly design covering traffic movement, public transport integration, footpaths, road geometry and commuter convenience.
The junction is a critical gateway between KR Pura, Whitefield, ITPL, Marathahalli and Bengaluru’s eastern suburbs. It also carries traffic entering the city from the outskirts. The convergence of several traffic streams, rising commuter volumes and ongoing Metro construction has made Tin Factory one of the city’s most congested intersections.
The proposed master plan is expected to examine road widening, the scientific redesign of traffic movements and the provision of free-left turns wherever feasible. Improving pedestrian connectivity around the junction has also been identified as a priority, particularly for commuters changing between different modes of transport.
The Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd and other stakeholders have been directed to work together on the plan. Urban planning organisations Janaagraha and Agra Indians have also been asked to contribute. The proposed coordination is significant because the junction’s traffic, pedestrian and construction-related problems cut across the responsibilities of several agencies.
Byre Gowda also raised concerns about the condition of roads around Tin Factory Junction. Several stretches have reportedly been damaged by ongoing Metro and K-Ride works. Officials were instructed to restore roads immediately after civil works are completed, linking the proposed junction redesign to the more immediate need to repair construction-affected routes.
The inspection took place against the backdrop of the Ward One campaign’s civic works across Bengaluru. According to the minister, about 90% of works across 43 wards identified in the first phase have been completed, while the second phase has begun in around 40 wards.
The first phase figures cited during the inspection include 1,035 potholes filled, 56.8 km of roadside drains and 10.2 km of stormwater drains desilted, and 52.7 km of footpaths repaired. The campaign also recorded 720 footpath encroachments removed, 57 junctions improved, 300 new streetlights installed and 783 streetlights repaired. Officials reported that 300 public complaints were resolved on the spot.
The civic inspection was briefly overshadowed by a political exchange involving BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj and former Congress MLC Narayanaswamy. Supporters of the BJP and Congress traded accusations over development works in the KR Pura constituency, road conditions and the use of development funds. Basavaraj alleged that residents raising civic concerns were being targeted, while Byre Gowda said political differences should not distract from addressing infrastructure problems.
The next formal step is the preparation of the joint master plan by the Greater Bengaluru Authority, BMRCL and the other participating agencies. The report does not specify a completion date, funding structure or construction timeline for the proposed redevelopment.
