In a significant move aimed at navigating the complexities of urban development, the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA)
has proposed reducing the width of the 216.39 km-long Intermediary Ring Road (IRR) from 90 metres to 60 metres. This recommendation, put forth during a meeting in February, underscores the evolving landscape of urban infrastructure planning in Bengaluru. The rationale behind the width reduction stems from the commercial and developmental activities observed along the road’s alignment, particularly in areas where the IRR intersects major district roads and State highways. With approximately 150 km of the IRR slated to traverse State and national highways, and an additional 50 km passing through major district roads, accommodating the original 90-metres width presents logistical challenges. Current stretches of the road vary in width from nine to 30 metres, making it impractical to widen them to the prescribed 90 metres, as highlighted in the minutes of the BMRDA board meeting.
The decision to merge the IRR alignment with major district roads, State highways, and national highways, as outlined in a 2023 notification by the BMRDA, further underscores the need for strategic adjustments to accommodate urban growth. This alignment revision encompasses six major district roads, three national highway stretches, and 24 State highway stretches, reflecting the evolving urban landscape. A senior official from the Urban Development Department (UDD), present during the meeting, emphasised the significance of the recommendation, particularly in light of the developed nature of the affected areas. Acquiring large swathes of developed land to maintain the original road width would impose a substantial financial burden on the exchequer, making the width reduction proposal a pragmatic solution in the face of urban expansion. As Bengaluru continues to grapple with the challenges of rapid urbanisation, initiatives such as the proposed width reduction of the Intermediary Ring Road underscore the importance of adaptive urban planning strategies to accommodate growth while minimising disruptions to existing infrastructure and communities.
