Bengaluru: After years of delay, work on the long-pending flyover near Mukunda Theatre in Maruthi Sevanagar has finally gathered momentum, with Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-SMILE) beginning soil investigations at key locations.
Soil tests begin at key locations
Geotechnical investigations are currently under way on Dodda Banaswadi Road near Maruthi Seva Nagar and on Baiyappanahalli Road, in front of the city’s third railway coaching terminal.
The contractor has submitted the computer-aided design (CAD) drawings, while preparations are also under way for a casting yard. According to a senior B-SMILE official, work on the casting yard is expected to begin next month.
The existing narrow flyover is unlikely to be demolished before December. Officials said the main civil works will begin after consultations with the Railways.
Rs 436-crore project to ease traffic
The existing railway overbridge has long been a major bottleneck for motorists travelling between central and north Bengaluru. It also serves as an important link between Banaswadi, Indiranagar and Ulsoor.
During peak hours, motorists can spend more than 30 minutes negotiating the narrow stretch, with queues extending for several kilometres.
The project, first conceived in December 2022, received administrative approval from the state Cabinet in April at a cost of Rs 436.44 crore. It will comprise an elevated rotary flyover and an additional two-lane road overbridge at the Baiyappanahalli railway crossing.
Together, the structures are expected to improve connectivity and ease congestion while providing better access to the third railway coaching terminal.
Construction targeted for 2027
Officials said the contract stipulates completion by June 3, 2028. However, B-SMILE aims to complete the project by December 2027 if railway clearances are secured on time and construction progresses without major disruptions.
Residents have also sought stronger traffic management during construction, with Banaswadi Rising founder Amith Nigli urging traffic police to deploy more personnel to keep vehicles moving smoothly.