₹35‑crore Sadahalli underpass to end last airport signal

NHAI will build a ₹35‑crore, 750‑m six‑lane underpass at Sadahalli to remove Bengaluru’s last airport signal, ensuring smooth, signal‑free travel

The National Highways Authority of India has revived plans to construct a six‑lane underpass at Sadahalli junction on Ballari Road, aiming to eliminate the final traffic signal on the route to Kempegowda International Airport. The project, estimated at ₹35 crore, is expected to significantly ease congestion and ensure seamless travel for airport‑bound commuters. Stretching 750 metres, the underpass will provide uninterrupted flow for vehicles heading toward the airport, a long‑awaited relief for travelers who often face delays at this busy junction.

Construction is set to span nearly two years, during which traffic diversions will be implemented. To minimize disruption, NHAI will first widen service roads on both sides of Ballari Road, allowing diverted traffic to move more smoothly. In addition, a concrete slab will be built to facilitate local residents of Sadahalli and surrounding villages, ensuring they can continue to access the city without major inconvenience. The dual focus on commuter convenience and local accessibility reflects the authority’s effort to balance regional development with everyday needs.

The project has a history of delays. Nearly a decade ago, NHAI had proposed an overpass at Sadahalli, later switching to an underpass design. Work began in 2019 but was halted due to design flaws, leaving commuters frustrated by the lack of progress. The current plan represents a fresh push to complete the long‑pending infrastructure upgrade, with improved design and execution strategies intended to avoid past setbacks.

Once completed, the underpass will mark a milestone in Bengaluru’s airport connectivity, making the entire Ballari Road stretch signal‑free. This improvement is expected to reduce travel time, enhance safety, and provide smoother access to Kempegowda International Airport, which continues to see rising passenger traffic. For a city grappling with rapid urban growth and mounting vehicular pressure, the project underscores the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure.

The Sadahalli underpass is more than a traffic solution; it is a symbol of Bengaluru’s evolving transport landscape. By addressing a critical bottleneck, the initiative promises to improve not only airport access but also the broader commuting experience along one of the city’s busiest corridors. If executed as planned, the project could stand as a model of how targeted infrastructure can transform urban mobility.

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