Besides its weather, if there is one thing Bengaluru is famous for, then it has to be the city’s traffic issue! And the Silk Board Junction traffic jams have been the cause of severe nightmares for the people in the city. Thankfully, after the 5.1-km-long double-decker flyover from the upcoming Ragigudda Metro Station to Central Silk Board was opened, there has been some relief for the commuters. Unfortunately, the commuters are now facing new congestion issues in the surrounding areas of Silk Board Junction.
Flyover Eases Silk Board Traffic But Causes New Congestion Issues
Ever since the double-decker flyover in Bengaluru, connecting the upcoming Ragigudda Metro Station to Central Silk Board, opened to the public, there has been a slight improvement in the traffic congestion in the area. After its opening, the city’s traffic police added several diversions to make the flyover easily accessible. Unfortunately, this has now caused more traffic issues in the surrounding areas.
According to The Hindu report, this double-decker flyover was built at a cost of ₹449 crore by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). Its aim was to ease traffic congestion at Central Silk Board Junction and alleviate the infamous traffic bottleneck there. Reportedly, it could cut travel time by over 30% for commuters heading towards K.R. Puram and Hosur Road.
The Hindu reported that only vehicles from Ragigudda were able to use the double-decker flyover. Whereas, traffic from BTM Layout, J.P. Nagar, and Bannerghatta Road continued to use the congested roads below. They also observed that the bottleneck near BTM Layout and Central Silk Board continued to be an issue. That’s not all, commuters and residents around the flyover ramp have also noticed increased traffic in the last month.
Bottlenecks, Multiple Diversions & Few Exit-Entry Points Cause Congestion
The Bengaluru Traffic Police has placed several diversions to control traffic at the flyover which has, in turn, caused new traffic issues. As per The Hindu’s report, the traffic police have stopped the right turn at junctions near the entry to the flyover. This has forced commuters to take longer routes.
These diversions have been put in place for commuters coming from Jayanagar 4th block heading to Banashankari or Kanakapura Road and Banashankari or Sangam Circle commuters wishing to enter J.P. Nagar. Also, commuters coming from J.P. Nagar are now forced to go an extra 2 km to enter the ramp of the flyover. Commuters have even noticed bottlenecks near Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, J.P. Nagar, and Jayanagar.
While talking to The Hindu, traffic expert Prof. M.N. Srihari mentioned that the flyover has “only one entry and exit point.” So, to take the flyover, the commuter has to travel extra and it causes congestion in neighbouring areas.
A flyover meant to ease traffic in Bengaluru is now causing more traffic issues in the city – the irony is simply hard to miss! What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: X/MadhuriDaksha & Canva (representative image)
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