DK Shivakumar proposes dedicated flyover from Bengaluru airport to Hebbal

DK Shivakumar

Karnataka deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has proposed the construction of a dedicated flyover from Hebbal Junction to Kempegowda International Airport.

"The 35-km stretch between Hebbal Junction and Kempegowda International Airport has witnessed significant development, with multiple industries and commercial complexes coming up, leading to intense traffic congestion. The existing elevated corridor is hindered by traffic signals and pedestrian crossings, increasing travel time,” Shivakumar stated in a letter addressed to the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

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“Given the rapid growth of the international airport and the rising number of passengers, a dedicated flyover from Hebbal Junction to the airport is essential. This would facilitate smoother movement for airport commuters, local vehicles, and heavy transport from industrial zones,” the letter added.

Shivakumar appealed to the Centre to extend necessary support and cooperation in implementing key infrastructure projects in Bengaluru.

The deputy CM, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, met Gadkari in New Delhi and submitted a formal appeal for financial assistance. Among the projects he highlighted was the upgradation of the Bengaluru–Kanakapura Road (NH 209) to a six-lane highway with service roads on both sides.

He said that the development of industrial areas like Harohalli has led to a sharp increase in vehicular traffic, necessitating measures to ensure smoother vehicle movement, improved road safety, and better industrial connectivity.

He also sought the Centre’s intervention to complete the stalled 7-km stretch of NH 209 between Ravi Shankar Guruji’s Ashram and the Kaggalipura toll. Although the required land has already been acquired, the project has been delayed due to objections raised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), turning the section into a major traffic bottleneck.

Another key demand was related to the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) project (NH 948A), which aims to improve regional connectivity between Dabaspet, Magadi, Ramanagara, and Harohalli. Shivakumar stressed the need for immediate disbursal of compensation to farmers who lost land for the project. He said that although the project began in 2019, delays in compensation have caused hardship for affected farmers and slowed overall progress.

Shivakumar reiterated that with Bengaluru’s rapid growth, timely execution of these infrastructure initiatives is crucial, and called for close coordination between the state and Union governments to ensure their successful implementation.

Also, read: Karnataka to spend Rs 1 lakh crore to improve Bengaluru’s traffic, says deputy CM DK Shivakumar