Bengaluru commuters are set to see significant traffic changes in the next two months, as one of the city’s main arterial roads, Racecourse Road, will be closed to vehicles from October 5.
The closure comes as authorities are embarking on massive stormwater drain and underground sewerage work along that route, which means traffic will be diverted to alternative routes for drivers in the area, and the Bengaluru Traffic Police will be able to improve the flow of vehicles. The roads in the suburbs will be affected, and other parts of the city will be shut down in a big way.
The traffic movement has been completely blocked on the line between Trilite Junction and Maurya Junction, as well as Shivananda Junction and Maurya Junction, officials said. The restrictions will continue for the next 60 days for the smooth execution of the civic infrastructure project. The work is to improve Bengaluru's drainage network and reduce the flooding problem in the centre of the city, especially in the wake of heavy rainfall.
The development comes at a time when the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is already carrying out white-topping work on Racecourse Road between Maurya Junction and Hare Krishna Road Junction. With stormwater drain and sewerage projects on the same corridor, authorities have decided to completely restrict traffic movement in the affected sections to ensure safety and avoid congestion around the work zones.
The High Grounds Traffic Police explained that temporary traffic restrictions are required to facilitate the progress of the project so that there is not much inconvenience for commuters. Diversion signs should be followed at all times, and the alternative routes should be used during the closure period.
For BMTC buses, private buses, and heavy goods vehicles going from Sankey Road to KR Market, traffic has been diverted via Windsor Manor Bridge in the direction of LRDE Junction. From there, vehicles need to turn right at LRDE Junction and continue through Basaveshwara Junction before going to their destinations. This route is expected to be an ideal one to accommodate large vehicles and to alleviate traffic pressure on the surrounding roads.
Similarly, buses and heavy vehicles that are traveling from Sankey Road to Majestic must go through Kumara Krupa Road to reach Shivananda Circle. From there, they must take a right turn and continue along S.C. Road to Majestic. This diversion will ensure that central transport in northern Bengaluru remains open.
For smaller vehicles going from Old JDS Office Junction to Trilite Junction, we have advised drivers to use the left-side road at the Old JDS Office Junction and continue towards Trilite Junction. At Race View Junction, they should take a left turn and proceed via Kumara Krupa Road to Shivananda Junction.
Meanwhile, all vehicles moving from Trilite Junction towards Maurya Junction have been directed to use the Shivananda Flyover. Motorists can then proceed to Nehru Circle and join S.C. Road before continuing towards Majestic and other destinations.
Traffic officials have told commuters to plan for their rides ahead in advance, especially in the early morning and evening hours when traffic will be heavy on diversion routes. Residents of Bengaluru should also take public transportation where possible and keep up to date with traffic advisories.
Racecourse Road is one of the most important parts of Bengaluru, and so the 60-day closure is expected to be an inconvenience for thousands of daily commuters. City and civic officials say the short-term inconvenience will not only improve drainage and sewerage infrastructure but will also be beneficial to the city’s travel system and urban growth in the longer term.
