Relief for Bengaluru commuters as Silk Board flyover set to open fully, but inspection by BTP reveals likely bottleneck
Inspection by Bengaluru Traffic Police has revealed a likely bottleneck at Aurobindo Junction, and planned interventions such as increasing signal pass time and closing two left turns after the down ramp during peak hours.
Bengaluru’s first double-decker flyover in the southern part of the city is finally ready to be fully operational, but an inspection by the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has revealed a likely bottleneck at the first junction (Aurobindo Junction) after the end of the down ramp near Ragigudda.
Now, the BTP has planned interventions such as increasing signal pass time and closing two left turns after the down ramp during peak hours, among others, to tackle the situation.
The 5.1-km double-decker flyover connecting Ragigudda, BTM Layout, HSR Layout, and vice versa was partially opened for vehicle movement in 2024. A section of the flyover from Silk Board towards Ragigudda has remained non-operational, but the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is planning to open the stretch this month. In the run-up to the opening, the BTP, along with other departments, held an inspection last week.
Increased ‘green signal’ duration
A senior traffic police officer told The Hindu that at the end of the down ramp near Ragigudda Metro Station, traffic from Marenahalli Road also converges, possibly creating a bottleneck at the junction that follows.
According to the officer, the major reason is that the flyover helps commuters bypass five signals- 16th Main signal, East End signal, 28th Main, 29th Main, and 8th Main- which means a substantial vehicle load will descend the ramp.
“Besides, just before the junction, there are two left turns which commuters will try to access, further slowing down the oncoming traffic. They will try to take this left because it will save them one signal at the junction,” the officer said.
So, the traffic police have now planned to increase the duration of the green signal for traffic exiting the double-decker down ramp. This will ensure that vehicles do not clog the junction. Additionally, the police will likely close the two left turns before the junction during peak hours so that micro-level congestion is eliminated.
Another officer from the South Division told The Hindu that even when the other side of the flyover opened in 2024, there was a sudden spike in the number of vehicles using the route because it provided seamless connectivity.
“Even now, users will use this flyover extensively, so travel time can be cut by at least 30%, especially for those accessing the flyover from the Silk Board Junction,” he said.
Peak hour chaos
Raju, an auto driver who usually operates in the Silk Board area, said traffic during peak hours gets so bad that a vehicle can get stuck in one place for half an hour. “If they inaugurate the flyover soon, it will be a great relief for many of us because traffic at the junction will move faster,” he said.
The crossroad of the East End Main Road and Marenahalli Road, with four signals, experiences heavy congestion throughout the day, said a daily commuter. Subhash, a juice shop owner at the East End Circle, said, “The opening of the flyover from one side has reduced traffic a little, but it is not much of a relief until it becomes completely operational.”
Ishaq, a commuter who works near the East End Circle, said, “During peak hours, it takes at least 10 to 12 minutes for vehicles to move, otherwise it takes roughly four minutes because of the signal. Since these roads connect major areas with many offices, they are usually congested.”
Meanwhile, the delay in opening the flyover has led to the stretch being used as a jogging track. It has become so popular that it is even marked as a jogging track on Google Maps. In addition, many people have begun using the stretch to perform wheelie, according to the traffic police.
A BMRCL official said that final clearances are being completed and the flyover will open soon.
