Bengaluru’s 10.8 km Major Arterial Road to Slash Travel Time to 10 Minutes
Bengaluru’s long-awaited Major Arterial Road (MAR), a 10.8 km stretch of 10-lane, toll-free road, is set to revolutionise connectivity between the southern and western parts of the city. The road, which aims to provide a seamless travel experience for commuters, is expected to be fully operational within the next two months. Once completed, this road will cut travel time from a tedious 1.5 hours to just 10 minutes, providing a significant improvement for daily commuters.
The MAR project, which connects Challaghatta on Mysuru Road to Kadabagere Cross on Magadi Road, has been designed as an alternative to the privately tolled NICE corridor. This will offer relief to residents who have long faced the burden of traffic congestion and high toll charges on the existing routes. Initially budgeted at ₹465 crore, the project has seen a cost escalation, now estimated at ₹585 crore. While the increase in costs has raised concerns, the project’s benefits in terms of improved connectivity and reduced travel time make it a significant infrastructure investment for Bengaluru. The Major Arterial Road will help to integrate key areas such as the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL), making it easier for residents to travel between the southern and western parts of the city.
The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), the agency responsible for the construction, has already acquired 321.1 acres of land for the project. The road passes through several important villages, including Kambipura, K Krishna Sagara, Bheemanakuppe, Kommaghatta, Kenchanapura, and Sulikere. These areas, which are currently experiencing rapid urbanisation, will benefit from enhanced connectivity once the road is completed. While the project is nearly complete, there are still a few challenges that need to be addressed before the road can be opened to the public. The BDA is awaiting approval from the forest department to divert 2 acres of land in the Sulikere reserve forest. This has caused a slight delay in the completion of the road. Additionally, the construction of a railway underpass is still underway, and about 300 metres of roadwork near Mysuru Road is pending completion, contingent on the finalisation of the Challaghatta Metro depot.
Despite these delays, BDA officials remain optimistic that the final hurdles will be cleared soon, with the road expected to be operational within the next two months. A BDA official, speaking to the Times of India, expressed confidence in meeting this deadline, stating, “We are addressing the final hurdles and expect the road to be ready within two months.” The Major Arterial Road project has been in the pipeline for over a decade. Initially planned in 2011, the project faced numerous delays, with tenders only being issued in 2017 and construction finally commencing in 2018. Originally slated for completion in 2019, the road has faced multiple setbacks, including land acquisition issues and technical challenges. However, the project is now nearing the finish line, and the benefits for Bengaluru’s residents and commuters are clear.
For the residents of Bengaluru, this new toll-free road will not only ease congestion but will also provide a faster, more efficient alternative to existing routes. Once the road is fully operational, the travel time between South and West Bengaluru will be dramatically reduced, providing a much-needed solution to the city’s chronic traffic woes. The completion of Bengaluru’s Major Arterial Road will mark a significant milestone in the city’s urban infrastructure development. As the road nears completion, it promises to enhance the city’s connectivity, improve travel efficiency, and reduce the burden on existing transport networks. With the final hurdles being addressed, this project will soon become an essential part of Bengaluru’s urban landscape, offering a faster, smoother journey for thousands of commuters.
