ORR Traffic to Face Delays with Metro Construction in Bengaluru
Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road (ORR) will experience significant traffic disruptions on Monday and Tuesday as the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) undertakes critical work on the Salem Bridge railway crossing near Doddanekkundi. A 65-metre composite girder, integral to the ongoing metro development project, will be installed between 9 PM and 6 AM, causing a partial closure of one side of ORR. The work, scheduled to span two nights, will impact vehicles travelling towards KR Puram and result in a reorganisation of traffic flow for the duration of the operation.
During the installation, traffic in the direction of KR Puram will be diverted, as one side of the ORR will be blocked. However, two-way traffic will be permitted on the opposite side of the road, ensuring that there is some continuity in movement, though it may cause delays. The restricted area will span 200 metres of the left side of ORR, from Metro pillar 434 to pillar 435, from the Marathahalli side towards Tin Factory. To mitigate the impact, the Bangalore traffic police have outlined alternative routes for commuters, guiding them through less congested areas to avoid the major traffic choke points.
For commuters travelling from Marathahalli towards Tin Factory or Hebbal, a diversion will direct them left at the Marathahalli bridge, onto HAL Airport Road. From there, they can take a series of turns, passing through NGEF Junction to reach their destinations. On the reverse route, vehicles from Tin Factory heading towards Marathahalli will be rerouted via ITPL Road, where they can take a right turn at Hoodi Junction before heading towards Marathahalli through Kundalahalli. These alternative routes, while helpful, are expected to increase travel time, and commuters should plan accordingly.
The installation of the girder is part of the broader metro infrastructure expansion in Bengaluru, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve public transport. The city’s rapid growth has highlighted the urgent need for better public transit systems, and the metro project is seen as a key solution. However, the disruption caused by such large-scale construction projects is inevitable, and it is essential for the authorities to strike a balance between development and maintaining smooth urban mobility. Temporary traffic restrictions, though necessary for long-term improvements, can have a short-term negative impact on the daily lives of commuters.
From a sustainability perspective, while such disruptions are inconvenient, they are part of the city’s shift towards more sustainable and efficient modes of transport. The metro system, once fully operational, is expected to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, lowering emissions and improving air quality. This is a vital step in addressing Bengaluru’s growing pollution levels and traffic bottlenecks, making the city more liveable for its residents. Urban planning and infrastructure projects like the metro contribute to the long-term sustainability of the city, although the immediate inconvenience posed by these disruptions needs to be managed carefully to minimise commuter stress and ensure smooth progress.
