How Bengaluru's Double-Decker Flyover Makes The Dreaded Silk Board Commute Shorter And Smoother

Bengaluru has long been plagued by notorious traffic congestion, especially at the Central Silk Board Junction. The inauguration of South India's first road-metro flyover marks a pivotal step, promising to significantly ease traffic woes and enhance urban mobility.

The 3.3-kilometre (km) road flyover from Ragigudda to Central Silk Board (C S B) along the Yellow Line (R V Road-Bommasandra) links South Bengaluru with the information technology (IT) hubs of Whitefield and Electronic City.

The Rs 330 crore project features a four-lane section and a metro corridor elevated 8 metres (m) and 16 m above the ground, respectively. It includes a four-lane flyover and six lanes at ground level below it, with three lanes on each side, designed to alleviate congestion on the stretch.

Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is constructing five loops and ramps at the C S B junction (A, B, C, D, and E). The A, B, and C ramps will connect K R Puram and Hosur Road from the Ragigudda/B T M Layout side, while the D and E ramps will link K R Puram to B T M Layout and Ragigudda.

Easing Traffic At Silk Board Junction

On a typical day, the Central Silk Board Junction sees an average of 46,000 vehicles passing through between 6 am and 10 pm. This heavy traffic often leads to long delays, especially during peak hours. The new flyover is designed to alleviate this congestion by providing a signal-free route, significantly reducing travel time.

The flyover is expected to cut travel time from Ragigudda and B T M Layout to Hosur Road and H S R Layout from 30-45 minutes to just five minutes, as highlighted by T Mahadeva, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic, Southeast), as reported by the Deccan Herald.

The completion of the D and E ramps is slated for June 2025. It would be crucial for easing evening traffic. The flyover will still offer considerable relief for morning commuters.

Elevating Urban Mobility

The integration of the flyover with the upcoming Yellow Line of the metro, scheduled to open in December, exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban transport.

By combining road and metro infrastructure, the project aims to offer seamless connectivity and a smoother commuting experience. The flyover running below the metro line is a unique feature that maximises the use of urban space and integrates multiple modes of transport.

Although the flyover itself does not provide direct access to the three metro stations (Jayadeva Hospital, B T M Layout, and Silk Board Junction), it enhances overall accessibility and connectivity within the city.

Furthermore, the reduction in travel time and the easing of traffic congestion have broader economic and environmental implications.

Improved traffic flow can lead to significant savings in fuel costs and reduce the economic burden of time lost in traffic. Reduced idling and smoother traffic flow can lower vehicle emissions, contributing to better air quality and a reduction in the city's carbon footprint.

As Bengaluru continues to grow, such innovative infrastructure solutions will be essential in meeting the evolving needs of its residents and maintaining the city's status as a leading metropolitan hub.