The Outer Ring Road Companies’ Association (ORRCA) has called for urgent intervention from Bengaluru’s civic bodies to address a slew of pressing infrastructure issues along the vital Outer Ring Road (ORR) corridor. In a comprehensive appeal to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), ORRCA highlighted the need for immediate action to improve conditions on the 17-kilometre stretch between K.R. Puram and Central Silk Board.
This section of the ORR is crucial for the city’s tech ecosystem, connecting numerous IT parks and commercial establishments. However, it has been plagued by deteriorating road conditions, waterlogging, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure. In a formal communication, ORRCA emphasised the necessity for a coordinated effort among civic agencies to prioritise maintenance and upgrades. “The deteriorating condition of the ORR is a matter of serious concern for the thousands of commuters and the companies that rely on this corridor,” the letter stated.
Key issues outlined by ORRCA include the urgent need for pothole repairs, effective solutions for chronic waterlogging, and better maintenance of footpaths and service roads to ensure pedestrian safety. The association also stressed the importance of micro-surfacing flyovers and clearing stormwater drains, which are essential to mitigate flooding and maintain smooth traffic flow, especially during the monsoon season. ORRCA’s detailed document, titled “ORR Pain Points,” outlines the specific challenges facing the corridor, including the long-delayed upgrades of 22 arterial roads that feed into the ORR. One of the critical areas needing attention is the road connecting Panathur Road from Kadubeesanahalli, a key route for IT professionals and daily commuters. Additionally, the document calls for a comprehensive traffic management plan to alleviate congestion at points where arterial roads intersect with the ORR main carriageway, such as near the Rainbow Bridge.
