Bengaluru commuters and airport passengers are likely to face major traffic disruptions as construction of the Mekhri Circle flyover brings major changes in traffic movement on Ballari Road. Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is carrying out the project to decongest Mekhri Circle — one of the city’s important traffic junctions.
As part of the construction work, KSRTC and private buses (as well as goods vehicles) will not be allowed to use the restricted stretch. The traffic restrictions are expected to last for 18 months (project completion period).
The changes are particularly relevant for people travelling between Bengaluru city and Kempegowda International Airport. Passengers should plan their journeys in advance and allow extra travel time.
₹420 Crore Mekhri Circle Flyover Project
BDA’s infrastructure project is to build an elevated corridor from UAS Staff Quarters on Ballari Road to Mekhri Circle.
The major features of the project include:
- A 1.6-kilometre elevated corridor.
- A four-lane flyover.
- An estimated project cost of ₹420 crore.
- An elevated rotary junction at Mekhri Circle.
- Two down ramps leading to Yeshwanthpur and Jayamahal.
- An 18-month deadline for completion of construction.
Hyderabad-based Auro Infra Pvt Ltd has reportedly bagged the construction contract.
The project aims to improve traffic movement around Mekhri Circle after the additional ramp opened at Hebbal flyover (more vehicles have moved since it was opened).
Which Vehicles Are Restricted on Ballari Road?
Traffic movement on Ballari Road will be changed to enable construction. The restrictions will apply to several categories of vehicles using the airport corridor.
According to the traffic plan announced above, the following vehicles will not be allowed on restricted stretch:
- KSRTC buses.
- Private buses.
- Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs).
- Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs).
- Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).
- Other goods-carrying vehicles.
These restrictions are expected to continue through the 18 months of construction.
The changes could affect daily commuters, public transport users, commercial vehicle operators and people travelling to the airport. Airport passengers should check traffic updates before starting their journey.
New Route from Bengaluru City to the Airport
People travelling from Bengaluru city to Kempegowda International Airport will have to use alternative routes.
One of the suggested routes is:
- Travel through Old High Grounds Junction.
- Go through Kalpana Junction to Old Udaya TV Junction.
- Continue through Cantonment Railway Station.
- Connect to Tannery Road.
- Take Nagawara Road to reach the airport.
This route is designed to allow motorists to avoid the affected part of Ballari Road.
Alternative Airport Route from Yeshwanthpur
People travelling from Yeshwanthpur to the airport can use this route:
- Take Mattikere Road.
- Turn right at BEL Circle.
- Join the Ring Road.
- Continue towards the airport.
Motorists are asked to follow traffic police instructions and road signage while using this alternative route.
Routes from the Airport to Bengaluru City
People travelling from the airport to Bengaluru will also have options.
Route 1: Via Nagawara and Queens Road
- Take a left turn at Hebbal towards Nagawara Junction.
- Continue through Bamboo Bazaar.
- Connect to Queens Road.
- Proceed towards the city.
Route 2: Via Ring Road and Goraguntepalya
- Take a right turn at Hebbal towards the Ring Road.
- Continue through Kuvempu Circle.
- Reach Goraguntepalya Junction.
- Turn left towards Dr Rajkumar Road.
- Continue towards Bengaluru city.
These routes are expected to spread traffic over different roads and relieve pressure on the construction zone.
Which Areas May Face More Traffic Congestion?
Diversion of vehicles from Ballari Road could increase traffic load at several major junctions.
These areas might be more congested:
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Hebbal Junction: Increased vehicle movement due to traffic diversions.
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Nagawara Junction: Additional traffic from airport-bound and city-bound vehicles.
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BEL Circle: More vehicles using the Yeshwanthpur alternative route.
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Goraguntepalya Junction: Increased traffic from motorists using the Ring Road.
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Queens Road: Additional vehicle movement from the airport side.
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Tannery Road: More traffic from motorists travelling through the Cantonment area.
Traffic congestion may be more problematic in the morning and evening rush hours.
Airport Passengers Advised to Plan Ahead
Restrictions could lengthen travel time for people going to Kempegowda International Airport during peak commuting hours.
People travelling for flights should leave earlier than usual and consider the alternative routes suggested by traffic authorities. They should check live traffic conditions before departure too.
The Mekhri Circle elevated corridor is supposed to be a long-term solution to congestion in the area but motorists will have to put up with diversions and delays during construction.
The project will cost ₹420 crore and take 18 months to complete. Traffic around Mekhri Circle and the airport corridor will be affected significantly by the project.
Note: The exact date of restriction start, road limits affected and changes to the diversions should be confirmed through latest Bengaluru Traffic Police advisory before publication.
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