Bengaluru’s Hennur–Bagalur Road Work Gets December Deadline After 18-Month Delay

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has set a December 2026 deadline for completing delayed development works on Hennur–Bagalur Main Road, a key alternative route to Kempegowda International Airport, following an inspection by Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on October 26.

Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) is executing white-topping works along a 4.6-km stretch at a cost of ₹86 crore. The project, which began in April 2025, has faced repeated delays and criticism from residents and motorists over its slow progress. The agency has also sought an additional ₹6 crore to extend the work by 600 metres.

During the inspection, Gowda directed officials to accelerate the work and ensure that road development integrates drainage, pedestrian facilities and traffic management. He emphasised that infrastructure improvements must extend beyond road laying to deliver safer streets and smoother mobility.

The minister called for efficient drainage systems to prevent waterlogging, wider footpaths to improve pedestrian safety and alternative routes to minimise inconvenience during construction. Officials were also instructed to coordinate white-topping, road widening and drainage works to avoid delays and ensure that essential infrastructure is developed systematically.

The government is also examining solutions to ease congestion at key junctions between Geddalahalli and Bagalur village. Options under consideration include an elevated corridor or shorter flyovers at selected junctions.

KR Puram MLA Byarathi Basavaraj highlighted increasing traffic volumes linked to the growth of high-rise buildings along the corridor and called for a detailed assessment of traffic movement. However, Gowda said an earlier traffic study had indicated that a flyover was not necessary at this stage.

An official said the government would further discuss whether shorter flyovers or an elevated corridor would be appropriate. If an elevated corridor is selected, it could potentially operate as a tolled facility.

The inspection was attended by Bengaluru East City Corporation Commissioner D.S. Ramesh, Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao, Additional Commissioner Lokhande Snehal Sudhakar and officials from the concerned departments.

The December deadline will be closely watched by commuters who depend on the corridor for daily travel and airport connectivity.