Revised underpass plan near Sadahalli Gate to ease traffic flow to Bengaluru Airport

In a major step toward easing vehicular movement between Bengaluru city and Kempegowda International Airport, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled a revised plan to construct an underpass near the often-congested Sadahalli Gate.

The underpass project was initially conceptualized over a decade ago. However, it was shelved due to opposition from local residents and interference from the Metro Blue Line project. With the new revision in place, NHAI has floated tenders and is ready to commence work on the long-awaited infrastructure upgrade.

 Once the underpass becomes operational, vehicles will be able to move seamlessly without traffic signals at Sadahalli Gate — a current bottleneck on the airport route. The underpass, estimated to be 800 meters long, will be constructed at a cost of ₹40 crore, according to NHAI Project Director K.B. Jayakumar. “Vehicles heading to and from KIA and Devanahalli will pass through the underpass, while local residents can use pedestrian pathways,” he said.

Officials also revealed that once this project is completed, commuters from Windsor Manor on Sankey Road to the airport can enjoy a completely signal-free journey.   

To prevent waterlogging on the airport road, which has previously disrupted traffic during heavy rains, NHAI is also working on improving adjacent service roads. Notably, near the Government Flying Training School, a new service road is being constructed at a cost of ₹6 crore. Construction was previously stalled halfway, leading to traffic inconvenience.

With BMRCL having already completed an elevated corridor along this stretch, NHAI confirmed that the required land for the service road had been acquired earlier. "The new road will not run directly beneath the viaduct, but will improve connectivity between Jakkur and Yelahanka,” an official explained.