Bengaluru airport traffic affected by Ballari Road work

Bengaluru: Motorists travelling to and from Kempegowda International Airport are likely to face longer journeys over the next 18 months as construction of a four-lane elevated corridor begins on Ballari Road from November 6, 2026.

The project, stretching from UAS Staff Quarters to Mekhri Circle, is expected to affect traffic movement along one of Bengaluru’s key arterial roads. To manage congestion during construction, the Bengaluru Traffic Police have announced a series of diversions and restrictions for different categories of vehicles.

The changes are likely to place additional pressure on Hebbal, which already experiences heavy traffic, particularly during morning and evening peak hours. Airport-bound commuters, residents of north Bengaluru and motorists travelling towards the city centre may have to plan their journeys carefully.

Goods vehicles and buses barred from Ballari Road

Under the new traffic restrictions, the movement of all goods vehicles, including light, medium and heavy goods vehicles, will be prohibited on Ballari Road.

The restriction will also apply to Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private buses. The measure is intended to reduce traffic pressure along the stretch while construction work is underway.

With a large number of vehicles using Ballari Road to access the airport and central Bengaluru, the diversion of commercial vehicles and buses is expected to increase traffic on alternative roads.

Alternative routes for airport-bound commuters

The traffic police have suggested different routes depending on the starting point of motorists.

Vehicles travelling from Hebbal towards Kempegowda International Airport can take the route through Old High Grounds Junction, Kalpana Junction, Old Udaya TV Junction, Cantonment Railway Station, Tannery Road and Nagawara Road before proceeding towards the airport.

Motorists travelling from Yeshwanthpur towards the airport have been advised to use Mattikere Road, turn right at BEL Circle and continue via the Ring Road.

These alternatives are expected to distribute traffic across different stretches rather than allowing all vehicles to converge on the construction-affected section of Ballari Road.

Diversions for vehicles entering central Bengaluru

For motorists travelling from the airport towards central Bengaluru, one suggested option is to take a left turn at Hebbal and proceed through Nagawara Junction, Bamboo Bazaar and Queens Road.

An alternative route is to take the Hebbal Ring Road towards Kuvempu Circle and Goraguntepalya Junction before proceeding via Dr Rajkumar Road.

The traffic police have also identified alternative routes for motorists travelling from Yeshwanthpur towards the city and those heading towards Anand Nagar, RT Nagar and Jayamahal Road.

Vehicles travelling from Hebbal towards Bengaluru City will, however, be permitted to use the service road in front of Baptist Hospital after descending the Hebbal Flyover. They can continue along the service road up to CBI Junction before joining Ballari Main Road.

Hebbal faces additional traffic pressure

The construction-related restrictions are likely to test traffic management around Hebbal, which serves as an important junction for vehicles travelling between the airport, north Bengaluru and central parts of the city.

With goods vehicles and buses being diverted, alternative roads could experience heavier traffic than usual. The impact may be particularly noticeable during peak commuting hours, when thousands of vehicles use the Hebbal corridor.

Airport passengers may need to allow additional time for their journeys, especially when travelling during busy periods. The diversions could also affect daily commuters, public transport users and residents of surrounding neighbourhoods.

18-month construction timeline

The elevated corridor project is scheduled to take 18 months to complete. Its execution will place considerable responsibility on the authorities to maintain traffic flow while ensuring that construction progresses according to schedule.

The Bengaluru Development Authority will face the challenge of completing the work within the stipulated period while minimising inconvenience to road users.

The effectiveness of the traffic plan will depend on clear signage, public awareness, coordination among enforcement personnel and strict implementation of the announced restrictions.

For thousands of airport commuters and residents of north Bengaluru, the coming months are likely to require careful journey planning. Timely completion of the elevated corridor will be crucial to limiting the duration of traffic disruptions on this busy route.