Bengaluru’s new Hebbal flyover loop opens for traffic, but Mekhri Circle braces for congestion

Trial runs conducted over the past two days showed good results, with officials observing a more fluid movement of vehicles around Hebbal in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru’s long-awaited Hebbal flyover loop was finally opened to the public on Monday at 9 am, by the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The 700-metre-long ramp, constructed at a cost of nearly Rs 80 crore, is expected to significantly improve traffic conditions at one of the city’s busiest choke points, One India reported.

The loop provides a direct connection between Nagawara, KR Puram, and Mekhri Circle, creating a smoother corridor for commuters, particularly those heading towards the Kempegowda International Airport and central Bengaluru. As per the report, the extension could reduce congestion at Hebbal Junction by nearly 30 per cent, which will prove to be a much-needed breather for motorists who face daily traffic jams in the area.

Trial runs conducted over the past two days showed good results, with officials observing a more fluid movement of vehicles around Hebbal. However, the test runs also revealed a challenge, in which a senior traffic police officer pointed out that congestion was shifting towards Mekhri Circle, especially near the underpass, creating pressure on surrounding feeder roads.

To address this, civic authorities are exploring road-widening measures near Mekhri Circle. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has identified Defence Department land that could be used for expansion, enabling vehicles to take a smoother free left turn towards RT Nagar, Jayamahal, and Vasanth Nagar.

Meanwhile, another area of concern is emerging near Baptist Hospital, where traffic from the airport, Nagawara via the new ramp, and Bhoopasandra may converge. Officials are weighing the option of shifting nearby bus stops to ease the load, with final decisions expected after two weeks of traffic monitoring.

While the inauguration marks the completion of a key project launched in 2023, it also comes with a hope to ease the Bengaluru’s traffic crisis.