GBA orders work to begin on 47 km of buffer roads under Sanchara Yukta project

Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao has directed officials to start construction on 47 km of buffer roads by month-end, as part of a larger 300 km plan aimed at improving road infrastructure, protecting stormwater drains and easing mobility in Bengaluru.

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has directed officials to commence construction on 47 kilometres of buffer roads under the Sanchara Yukta Project by the end of this month, marking a key step in strengthening the city’s road infrastructure.

The directive was issued by GBA Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao during a coordination meeting held on Friday, which reviewed issues faced during the execution of works by various departments across Bengaluru.

Rao said the GBA has prepared an extensive plan to develop around 300 kilometres of buffer roads across the city. The project is aimed at adding road capacity, safeguarding stormwater drains, effectively utilising buffer zones, encouraging sustainable mobility and improving neighbourhood-level streets.

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According to him, all preparatory work for 47 km has already been completed. He instructed officials to issue work orders to contractors immediately and begin construction without any delay.

To speed up implementation, Rao directed that each city corporation must submit detailed road information along with property and survey data to the GBA Commissioner. Once the data is submitted, the road designs will be reviewed. In cases where private land is required to connect buffer roads to major roads, he instructed that land acquisition should be carried out using Transferable Development Rights (TDR) or Premium FAR, ensuring work can proceed smoothly.

As part of the project, construction of a 2.6-km buffer road from Ejipura Inner Ring Road to Sarjapur Outer Ring Road has already begun. The project, which includes the construction of an RCC retaining wall near defence land, is being taken up at a cost of ₹44 crore.

Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (SMILE) Technical Director B S Prahalad informed the meeting that the 24-metre-wide buffer road on this stretch is currently under construction.

During the meeting, the GBA also took note of complaints about garbage, debris piles and sewage water flowing along the Hebbal–Yelahanka stretch of the National Highway. The Chief Commissioner directed officials to clear the waste immediately and ensure proper cleanliness. He also instructed the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to inspect locations where sewage is discharging onto the road and take necessary corrective action.

Rao further stressed that lane markings must be completed on all newly asphalted roads. He also ordered that kerb painting, zebra crossings and installation of cat-eyes be carried out at the earliest to improve road safety.

With the monsoon approaching, the Chief Commissioner directed officials to complete all required works in flood-prone areas under the GBA before the onset of rains to avoid inconvenience. He also instructed authorities to inspect water-level sensors installed by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) in stormwater drains, ensure they are functioning properly and install additional cameras wherever required.