BENGALURU
Within a week of opening the new carriageway of the double-decker flyover between Silk Board and Ragigudda Metro station, city traffic police closed the stretch for motorists, citing its status as a trial run and pending safety corrections.
Officials said the 3.5-km elevated corridor was opened temporarily to assess traffic movement, and a final decision on regular operations now rests with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). Authorities added that several road safety issues were identified during the trial phase, prompting immediate corrective instructions.
A senior police officer said BMRCL has been asked to address concerns related to inadequate signage and road-user guidance before the stretch is opened permanently. Among the key suggestions is the installation of a directional signboard indicating the down ramp towards BTM Layout at least 100 metres in advance for motorists approaching from the HSR Layout side.
Officials have also recommended the installation of rumble strips as a speed-calming measure, improved speed limit signage, and strict enforcement of lane discipline along the flyover to ensure safer traffic flow on the elevated corridor.
Sources indicated that the flyover is likely to be opened for regular traffic from May 1, following a review and inspection. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is expected to visit the site and take a ride on the new stretch before it is fully thrown open to the public.
The corridor had initially brought relief to thousands of commuters travelling between southern Bengaluru and the Outer Ring Road stretch connecting KR Pura and Silk Board. The project, executed by BMRCL at a cost of ₹530 crore, is part of efforts to ease congestion on one of the city’s busiest traffic corridors.
The stretch from Ragigudda to Silk Board was first opened in July 2024, while the reverse direction was recently opened on a trial basis before the sudden closure.
However, the quick shutdown left several motorists confused. Badrinath, a commuter, said users were not informed clearly about the closure and urged authorities to fix issues quickly and open the road for regular use without waiting for formal inaugurations or VIP inspections.
Officials maintained that safety concerns take priority and assured that the corridor will be made fully operational only after all corrective measures are completed and reviewed.
