East Bengaluru traffic push: City corporation reviews major road projects, orders faster execution

High-level inter-agency meeting focuses on High-Density Corridor works, decongestion measures, parking control and pedestrian safety across East City areas

In a bid to tackle rising traffic congestion and fast-track infrastructure upgrades, the Bengaluru East City Corporation on Tuesday held a high-level coordination meeting involving multiple government agencies to review ongoing road projects and plan future works.

The meeting was chaired by Commissioner D.S. Ramesh and attended by officials from the High-Density Corridor project, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and the Police Department.

A detailed review was conducted on road development works under the High-Density Corridor project, particularly along Old Madras Road (Links 1 and 2) and Old Airport Road. The works include widening and strengthening of carriageways, construction of footpaths and cycle tracks, development of medians, installation of streetlights, building RCC stormwater drains and placing traffic signage.

Given the heavy traffic on these corridors, officials were instructed to speed up execution and ensure timely completion.

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Improving coordination between departments to decongest arterial and sub-arterial roads in the East City Corporation limits was a key focus. Issues discussed included correcting unscientific entry and exit points along the Outer Ring Road, widening narrow stretches beneath metro lines and flyovers, and clearing encroachments on roads and footpaths.

The meeting also addressed the need to relocate bus stops away from junctions to safer spots, construct proper bus bays and identify suitable locations for skywalks in high-traffic areas. Parking-related problems on major roads and the acquisition of land for road widening, in line with the Revised Master Plan–2015, were also reviewed.

Immediate priorities identified included clearing debris accumulated under metro lines, flyovers and medians, and ensuring smooth traffic management during asphalting works and intensive cleanliness drives. To curb illegal parking, the City Corporation will provide two towing vehicles, one for each zone, to the Traffic Police.

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The Commissioner stressed advance coordination during road works, directing departments to share asphalting schedules with the police in advance. Vehicular movement must be restricted for at least 24 hours after asphalting to maintain road quality. He also instructed officials to install barricades and adequate cautionary signage at all work sites.

Reaffirming the goal of making Bengaluru more pedestrian-friendly, the Commissioner called for removal of footpath encroachments and construction of obstruction-free walkways to ensure safe movement for pedestrians. Senior officials from the City Corporation and allied agencies were present at the meeting.