Artist impression of the Mehkri project
Artist impression of the Mehkri project Artist impression of the Mehkri project Artist impression of the Mehkri project Artist impression of the Mehkri project Bengaluru : Relief on one of north Bengaluru’s most congested stretches appears in sight with govt launching work on the Rs 725-crore Mehkri Circle flyover project, which is expected to be completed in 18 months. An IIT Bombay report suggests the project, which crisscrosses Ganganagar and Sanjaynagar, is expected to reduce traffic congestion by at least 60% under a worst-case scenario and up to 80% under best-case scenario. Only 50 to 60 trees that cannot be transplanted are currently proposed to be cut. The construction contract awarded to Auro-KMC JV is worth about Rs 440 crore, excluding other project-related expenses.
Because of a case pending in high court, however, the tunnel component is progressing slowly. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in Bengaluru Stay updated with the latest Bengaluru news.
NA Haris, BDA chairperson, said the project was conceived as an integrated solution to ease congestion. “The aim is to provide smoother traffic movement and strengthen connectivity to north Bengaluru and the airport,” he said. Haris said the project was designed to ensure that its various components functioned together to deliver intended benefits. “Coordinated execution of these components will be key to reducing bottlenecks and improving commuting experience,” he said.
The project has two components: elevated corridor from Mehkri Circle to Baptist Hospital and a tunnel from Baptist Hospital to a point beyond Hebbal flyover. The integrated design aims to improve traffic flow along the entire stretch rather than address congestion at individual points. Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has begun preliminary work, including soil investigation. The elevated corridor will have two lanes in each direction, while the tunnel will have three lanes on either side. At the Veterinary College end, two lanes in each direction will connect to the elevated corridor, while the other lane will cater to local traffic. The elevated road will lead to a rotary at Mekhri Circle which will also link the proposed Yeshwantpur-KR Pura east-west corridor, potentially providing commuters with a more continuous route. BDA has also sought to address concerns over tree loss, with the authority working on transplanting trees wherever possible. BDA has initiated discussions with non-govt organisations to explore whether these trees can also be saved. The total estimated project cost includes land acquisition, utility shifting and other overheads. Download the TOI App.