Blurb
The project will ease traffic flow and reduce travel time across satellite towns
BENGALURU
The Karnataka government has revived the long-pending Intermediate Ring Road (IRR) project, nearly three decades after it was first conceptualised, in a renewed push to improve regional connectivity and decongest Bengaluru’s expanding urban core.
To be implemented by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (BMRDA), the 210-km corridor aims to link 12 key satellite towns, including Thattekere, Harohalli, Bidadi, Tavarekere, Nelamangala, Devanahalli, Hoskote, Dommasandra and Anekal. The project is expected to create a seamless mobility loop connecting emerging growth centres on the city’s outskirts.
Originally proposed in 2007, the IRR project had remained stalled due to land acquisition hurdles and prolonged litigation. However, following directions from Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, officials have now revived the plan with a revised approach to minimise legal and logistical challenges.
Urban development department records indicate that parts of the earlier alignment were contested in court, prompting the High Court in August 2022 to direct a realignment. A revised plan was subsequently drawn up in March 2023, but inconsistencies in road width—ranging from 9 metres to 30 metres against the planned 90 metres—led to further reconsideration.
In December, a high-level review meeting chaired by Shivakumar resulted in a decision to revert largely to the original 2007 alignment with selective modifications. Officials said the earlier alignment had already been integrated into multiple master plans, reducing the likelihood of fresh disputes.
The updated plan also ensures better integration with existing infrastructure, including the Nelamangala Town Ring Road and the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), particularly along the Anekal-Hoskote stretch. Authorities have also worked to minimise disruption to existing layouts while maintaining connectivity objectives.
One of the key advantages of the revived project is its cost efficiency. Officials noted that land falling within approved layouts could be obtained through relinquishment deeds from developers, significantly reducing the burden of acquisition costs on the government.
BMRDA Commissioner Rajendra Cholan said the authority already holds 175 acres and will pursue additional land as required. The IRR is expected to bridge critical gaps between the STRR and the proposed Peripheral Ring Road, accelerating development in surrounding townships.
