Karnataka asks National Highways Authority of India to build flyover to decongest Hebbal junction in Bengaluru

Suchith Kidiyoor / Apr 6, 2025, 00:02 IST

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Karnataka asks National Highways Authority of India to build flyover to decongest Hebbal junction in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Karnataka has approached the Centre regarding the construction of a flyover to address traffic congestion at Hebbal junction in the city. Chief minister Siddaramaiah met with Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari recently in Delhi to discuss the project on National Highway-44 (Ballari Road), which connects the city to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).
Specific design details of the proposed flyover the state wants the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to construct remain unclear. It isn't yet known whether the plan involves extending the elevated corridor from Esteem Mall to Hebbal flyover, providing direct access towards Mehkri Circle, or constructing a new flyover from the KR Pura (Outer Ring Road) side to connect to the elevated corridor.
Currently, Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is building an additional ramp from Baptist Hospital to the tree park at the junction. Previously, BDA had proposed a Rs 400-crore comprehensive plan to decongest Hebbal junction, including a flyover from KR Pura side connecting to NH-44 and new ramps. The plan also featured additional ramps for vehicles travelling from Baptist Hospital towards Tumakuru Road, and a unidirectional underpass.
An NHAI official said: "We have no clarity on the state's new proposal. In 2023, during a meeting with the deputy chief minister, a plan was mooted for a separate flyover from Baptist Hospital linking with the elevated corridor of Ballari Road, which could have immensely helped motorists coming from Baptist side and entering KIA. But no progress was achieved."

NHAI is currently widening the road for a 1km stretch, which will benefit motorists travelling from Outer Ring Road (from Tumakuru Road) to access NH-44 and those heading towards Kodigehalli from Hebbal flyover.
BDA officials also appear uncertain about the proposal. One official said: "It appears the decision was made at the higher level as the CM has made a formal submission. Either the govt wants to build a flyover linking Hebbal flyover or a new flyover from KR Pura side and link the same with the NH. The latter was part of our comprehensive plan."
New ramp in 2 months
BDA is confident of completing the ongoing ramp construction within 60 days. A BDA official explained: "Earlier, there was a plan to build a ramp from Baptist Hospital side till Esteem Mall. However, considering the traffic gridlock in the area, it has been decided at the higher level to cut short the length. Our focus is now to link the new ramp with the half-demolished KR Pura loop and extend the ramp to merge it with the Tumakuru Road loop being used by motorists coming from the service road and Tumakuru Road side to reach Mehkri Circle."
The authority has approached the Railways seeking permission to launch spans over the rail tracks. However, reports suggest that even after completion of the new ramps, the junction may continue to experience significant congestion as it handles traffic beyond its designed capacity.
Three months ago, chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh directed BDA to complete integration of the under-construction ramp with the KR Pura loop within 100 days. However, the deadline was missed.
Originally proposed in 2015, the ramp project was delayed for years, with construction only starting in 2017-18, but objections from BMRCL halted progress, wasting Rs 25 crore in public funds. The project resumed in 2022-23 after design modifications.
Multiple projects on horizon
Motorists at Hebbal junction continue to face daily traffic congestion. Looking ahead, the junction will see significant changes with the construction of multiple mass transit projects, including three Metro stations and a suburban rail station. The elevated Blue Line Metro project (Silk Board to KIA) is already under way.

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