No full closure of Ballari Road for 18 months for elevated corridor work: BDA

Work in progress on a flyover near Hebbal Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) in Bengaluru on November 7, 2026. | Photo credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.

The Hebbal Flyover and Ballari Road corridor will not be completely closed for 18 months to facilitate the construction of the elevated corridor, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) said on Saturday (November 7). Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) said that vehicular movement will continue with limited lane restrictions and gradual diversion of traffic.

The clarification comes amid concerns about expected traffic congestion during the construction period. The elevated corridor is part of the BDA’s larger Integrated Tunnel and Elevated Corridor project to ease traffic congestion along the city’s key northern corridor connecting Bengaluru to the Kempegowda International Airport. However, the project has also drawn considerable public criticism since its announcement.

BTP sources said the restrictions will only apply to the movement of heavy vehicles between 6am and 8pm, while other motorists will only be “advised” to take alternative routes. Public transport vehicles and school buses should also use the section.

The BDA said the roadblocks will be limited to a lane approximately 4.5 meters wide, affecting only one of the three existing lanes in each direction. The remaining two lanes and the service road would remain passable.

However, the problem is that the 4.5 meter wide lane is part of one of the main carriageways and at any given time represents 35% of the traffic on the stretch. As a result, restrictions are likely to exacerbate congestion regardless of the timing of their introduction. A minimum of 20% of traffic will therefore have to be diverted to avoid congestion along the stretch.

“Even without civil works, the stretch is witnessing prolonged congestion during peak hours. So for civil works, the need to divert traffic is essential,” said a police source.

Therefore, it is necessary to recommend the use of alternative routes. However, the identified alternative routes are also in poor condition. The BTP has now written to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and BDA, asking them to tarmac alternate routes to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and avoid traffic jams.

“Routes via New BEL Road and RT Nagar Station Road are among those being considered for improvement. Officials have also been asked to identify bottlenecks, improve road surfaces and install adequate road markings and signage,” the BDA said.

Published – 7 Nov 2026 11:00 PM IST