To tackle traffic congestion, the Karnataka government has unveiled plans to construct nearly 100 kilometers of signal-free corridors across 17 locations in Bengaluru. This major initiative is projected to cost Rs 12,000 crore.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the plans, noting that they were formulated after discussions with legislators from various political parties. He emphasized that these corridors will follow the successful model of the Rajajinagar-K.R. Circle signal-free corridor. According to a report, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city’s municipal authority, selected these locations based on extensive traffic analysis and future growth projections.
Senior BBMP officials explained that the study identified heavy traffic areas with speeds dropping to 15-20 km/h, leading to fuel wastage and reduced productivity. The analysis indicated a need for at least eight lanes on current stretches, with requirements potentially rising to 12 lanes by 2044. To address this, the construction of elevated corridors or underpasses is necessary due to limited widening options.
Planned key corridors include a 23-kilometer stretch from K.R. Puram to Yeshwantpur-Goraguntepalya, a 5.5-kilometer Hosur Road corridor from Anepalya to Silk Board, and a 10-kilometer elevated corridor from Marenahalli to Kanakapura Road-Thalaghattapura NICE Road. Additionally, a 2.7-kilometer elevated road is proposed from Minerva to Cubbon Park.