Suraksha 75 junction revamp faces delays, GBA sets 2026 deadline

Bengaluru’s Suraksha 75 junction revamp lags behind claims; GBA orders fresh studies and sets March 2026 deadline to improve safety and governance

The ambitious Suraksha 75 project, launched to redesign 75 of Bengaluru’s busiest traffic junctions, is facing significant delays, with ground conditions failing to match official claims of near‑completion. The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has now ordered fresh field studies and revised progress reports, setting March 2026 as the new deadline for completion.

What the Project Envisions

Introduced by the erstwhile BBMP in 2023 and backed by Rs 100 crore from the Karnataka budget, Suraksha 75 aims to improve road geometry, pedestrian safety, crossings, traffic‑calming measures, walkways, and signage. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with WRI India and other road safety programmes, with the goal of making Bengaluru’s junctions safer and more efficient.

Progress on Paper vs Reality
An October GBA report claimed 90–95% completion at junctions such as Arekere, Sarakki, Kudlu Gate, Tin Factory, KR Puram, and Benniganahalli, with Horamavu bridge junction listed as fully complete. However, field visits revealed a stark contrast: chaotic traffic, inadequate pedestrian facilities, and little visible improvement at several sites including Arekere, Tin Factory, Yelahanka, and KR Puram.

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Reasons for the Lag
Officials attribute the mismatch to administrative transitions and frequent changes in engineering teams. The shift from BBMP to GBA reportedly created gaps in communication, with progress reports failing to reflect on‑ground realities. To address this, new City Corporation Commissioners have been tasked with conducting fresh surveys and preparing updated progress reports, effectively resetting the measurement of work status.

Current Focus and Monitoring
Key junctions in Bengaluru East—such as Kundalahalli, Tin Factory, KR Puram, Marathahalli, and eight Outer Ring Road junctions—are now under renewed focus. Tenders have been floated to bring in urban transport planners and designers. GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao has directed corporations to monitor works continuously, hold review meetings, and submit regular updates, with trial improvements planned at Hebbal.

Expert Perspectives
Urban expert V Ravichander stresses that isolated junction fixes only shift congestion and calls for network‑based, data‑driven solutions, including “free left” lanes and pedestrian‑first designs. IISc professor Ashish Verma highlights the success of scientifically designed channelising islands at CNR Rao Circle, which improved traffic flow and safety, while cautioning against excessive reliance on skywalks on smaller roads.

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