Bengaluru: The Central Silk Board Junction is set for a comprehensive makeover, with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) planning to combine traffic improvements with better pedestrian facilities, recreational spaces and upgraded drainage infrastructure.
Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has directed officials to prepare a permanent development plan for the busy junction and earmark funds for its overall improvement. The directions followed his inspection of the area on October 31.
The proposed revamp aims to address the challenges faced by motorists and pedestrians at one of Bengaluru’s busiest traffic intersections, where the Metro, flyover, Outer Ring Road, Electronic City corridor and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) elevated road converge.
Space beneath flyover to become public area
One of the major features of the proposed development is the transformation of the unused space beneath the Silk Board flyover into a more accessible public area.
The plan includes seating arrangements, lighting and recreational facilities. A throwball court is being developed, while facilities for table tennis and other activities are also being explored.
Officials have been asked to develop vacant land alongside the stormwater drain as a landscaped space with seating and shade. Kerbstones and suitable flooring have also been proposed to make the area easier to maintain.
The development is expected to provide more usable public space in an area that has largely been associated with heavy traffic and congestion.
A public toilet and improved footpaths are also among the proposed facilities. The focus is to make the junction more comfortable and accessible for pedestrians and commuters.
Traffic movement to be improved
Apart from public amenities, the GBA is examining measures to improve vehicle movement around the junction.
Officials have been directed to study the possibility of providing a free-left turn for vehicles travelling from Electronic City towards BTM Layout. For this, a steel grid is proposed over a section of the stormwater drain.
A separate pedestrian walkway alongside the drain is also planned to ensure safer movement for people on foot.
The minister has asked officials to prepare a comprehensive traffic plan instead of implementing isolated measures. The aim is to improve connectivity and reduce congestion around the junction, which handles large volumes of daily traffic.
Drainage works to address flooding
Improving drainage infrastructure is another important part of the proposed revamp.
Krishna Byre Gowda directed officials to speed up the ongoing 60-metre major stormwater drain project. The work includes the construction of a reinforced cement concrete retaining wall and installation of 30 girders at intervals of two metres.
He also instructed officials to plan a new drain connecting Silk Board Junction towards HSR Layout to prevent waterlogging and flooding during heavy rainfall.
The proposed drainage work will need to be coordinated with the ongoing white-topping project being taken up by B-SMILE, so that road development and drainage improvements progress together.
During the inspection, the minister noticed sewage flowing into the stormwater drain and questioned Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) officials. He expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations provided and called for effective measures to stop sewage discharge into the drain.
Ward One campaign launched at Silk Board
During the inspection, the minister also symbolically launched the GBA’s ‘Ward One’ campaign by initiating the painting of flyover pillars at the junction.
The campaign is planned across 43 wards under Bengaluru’s five city corporations. It aims to address civic infrastructure issues through coordinated action involving the relevant government departments.
The initiative will cover road repairs, junction improvements, sanitation, stormwater drains, drinking water supply, sewerage, streetlights, public transport facilities, parks, lakes and waste management.
Officials from different departments will work together to identify pending issues and prepare plans for their resolution.
Officials asked to prepare permanent development plan
The minister instructed the GBA Commissioner to earmark adequate funds for the comprehensive development of Silk Board Junction. He stressed that the area required a long-term plan covering traffic flow, pedestrian movement, drainage and public amenities.
The inspection was attended by MLA Satish Reddy, GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, Bengaluru South City Corporation Commissioner K N Ramesh, Additional Commissioner Naveen Kumar Raju, Joint Commissioner Satish Babu and senior engineers.
Officials from the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), BWSSB and other departments also participated.
The proposed makeover is expected to give the Silk Board Junction a broader civic purpose, moving beyond traffic management to create a more organised, accessible and pedestrian-friendly public space. However, the timeline for completing the overall development has not yet been announced.