The story till now
A trial run for South India’s first double-decker flyover was inaugurated in Bengaluru on July 5, 2023. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had undertaken this project which experienced various delays but is partially open now to ease the traffic congestion that takes place at Central Silk Board junction.
D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister flagged off the trial run from Ragigudda to Central Silk Board while accompanied by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
How much did it cost and how long is it?
It has bee built at ₹449 crore and stretches 5.12 km. Its main intention is to deal with a major bottleneck in Central Silk Board by providing a signal-free corridor between Ragigudda – HSR Layout – Hosur Road. It will reduce travel time over 30%.
“This new flyover has loops and ramps designed to make going from Ragigudda to HSR Layout and Hosur Road signal-free as it provides an easier and quicker way of reaching K.R.Puram and Hosur Road thus possibly reducing travelling times more than 30%”, said BMRCL official.
The double-decker flyover features two separate carriageways, each with two lanes. It passes by three metro stations: Jayadeva Hospital, BTM Layout, and Silk Board Junction.
What are its structural features?
There are loops and ramps throughout the flyover that ensure smooth movement of traffic. However, some ramps connecting HSR Layout to Ragigudda as well as BTM Layout ones are yet under construction. These sections which measure about 1.37 km should be finished before June 2025.
The double-decker flyover features two separate carriageways, each with two lanes. It passes by three metro stations: Jayadeva Hospital, BTM Layout, and Silk Board Junction. Ultimately, the structure will have five ramps. Currently, Ramps A, B and C are complete while work is going on Ramps D and E and they will be ready by May 2025.
Ramp A connects Ragigudda metro station to Hosur Road. Ramp B branches off Ramp A moving towards HSR Layout. BTM Layout links with Hosur Road and HSR Layout via Ramp C from Ramp A. An elevated ramp D above metro line and Ramp A allows one to travel from HSR Layout to Ragigudda. Lastly, Ramp E comes down from the HSR Layout through BTM Layout.
What did the traffic police say?
Sometimes there are huge traffic congestions on Ragigudda – Silk Board route during peak hours even when it is not a busy time for cars. This is an important road that connects Basavanagudi, Jayanagar as well as BTM Layout to Hosur Road, Electronic City and HSR layout where thousands of vehicles pass through every day.
“Bengaluru traffic police believes that the new flyover will hugely reduce congestion during rush hour at Ragigudda and BTM Layout stretch all the way to Hospital/Hosur towards HSR layout”, said a police official who also added that commuters could cut travel times from 30-45 minutes to ten minutes only.
Why was it opened as a trial run?
The inauguration has been delayed despite the fact that this project was almost completed months before now. The decision to have a trial run was based on public pressure for speedy opening of flyover in response to protests against it by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Mr. Shivakumar also emphasized the need to use this finished portion so as not to squander. The resources and also provide immediate help in solving traffic problems in the city. However, there are still about some stretches left unfinished but can be put to public use. ‘I have even written to the central minister too’, he said.’ I don’t want this project to go waste. That is why I wanted a trial run too. Again, there are few small patches which need completion.
After it we will announce opening it formally. But until then, it remains open for public use’. The formal launching of the flyover has been delay because both Union Ministry of Housing and Urban. Affairs as well as Karnataka government must make a joint representation. However, the flyover is accessible on trial basis while awaiting an official event once coordination between these two governments is complete.
“Having seen how much people want this fly over open, they made it available for trail runs. Nevertheless; representatives from both the Union and State governments will come here for a grand opening soon,” BMRCL sources stated.
Double decker flyover and Yellow Line metro
The double-decker flyover forms part of 18.82km long Yellow Line Metro under construction starting from R.V.Road up to Bommasandra. This fully elevated metro route features 16 stations that connects with Green line at R.V.Road Station and Pink Line at Jayadeva Hospital.
These elevated routes feature 16 stations including Rashtriya Vidyalaya Road, Raggigudda, Jayadeva Hospital, BTM Layout, Central Silk Board Junctions, Bommanahalli, Hongasandra, Kudlu Gate, Singasandra, Hosa Road, Beratena Agrahara, Electronics City, Infosys Foundation Konnappana Agrahara, Huskur Road, Biocon—Hebbagodi & Bommasandra
According to officials, the Jayadeva Metro Station is an iconic interchange hub. Which combines Yellow Line (RV Road to Bommasandra) Reach 5 and Pink Line Reach 6 (Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara).
This process involves the Bannerghatta Road underpass, Mareanahalli Road at ground level, Raggigudda – CSB Road flyover, Metro Concourse, Reach 5 platform for the Yellow Line (R.V. Road to Bommasandra), and Reach 6 platform for the Pink Line (Kalena Agrahara-Nagawara). ‘It is one of the central points connecting various lines thereby enabling a smooth transition,’ they added.
How will connectivity get better?
The Yellow Line intends to enhance accessibility to major business district such as Infosys and Biocon as well as South Bengaluru.
“This line would enormously ameliorate daily issues experienced by Bangaloreans using metros,” noted officials in a press release. “In addition, it is anticipated that this move will enable people around Bangalore benefit from metro transport system since. Its commencement is believe to have far-reaching implications on the lives of those who use metro trains in Bangalore. Additionally, Bengaluru Metros will become the second in the country to feature driverless trains.”
What are the proposed double-decker flyover corridors in Bengaluru?
On March this year BMRCL floated a tender for feasibility study of double decker flyovers along three corridors of Namma Metro in Bengaluru under phase 3A.
Some of the proposed corridors are: J.P Nagar 4th Phase to Hebbal (29 km), Hosahalli to Kadabagere (11.45 km). Sarjapur to Ibbalur at ORR Junction (14 km) and Agara to Koramangala 3rd Block (2.4 km) a part of Sarjapur-Hebbal corridor (37km) as per the notification.
Mr. Shivakumar has suggested for construction of double-decker flyovers in the city. “These flyovers will be design to hold vehicles on lower deck. While accommodating metro on upper deck aiming to reduce traffic congestion in the city,” he had previously said.
