DKS rides restored Yezdi on new loop of Hebbal flyover in Bengaluru

The newly constructed loop at the Hebbal flyover, designed to improve connectivity for vehicles coming from K.R. Puram towards the city centre, was inaugurated on August 18 by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.

The 700-metre stretch is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion at the junction, potentially saving commuters three to five minutes. This benefit extends not only to vehicles coming from K.R. Puram and Nagawara towards the city centre, but also to those arriving from the iarport and Yelahanka.

Although a loop had existed earlier, it was too narrow to allow the smooth merging of vehicles from K.R. Puram with those from the airport heading towards the city centre. This slowed down the traffic, particularly for vehicles arriving from the airport.

Similarly, vehicles heading towards Kodigehalli in the northern part of the city via the road beneath the flyover frequently encountered bottlenecks. The congestion also delayed vehicles travelling from K.R. Puram towards BEL Circle.

To resolve these issues, the government of Karnataka decided to widen the ramp connecting K.R. Puram and Mehkri Circle. The work was entrusted to the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA).

Construction of the new loop, which includes an up-ramp of about 100 metres and a 600-metre stretch towards Mehkri Circle, began in 2024. The project cost ₹80 crore and required partial closure of the flyover. However, the BDA missed at least three deadlines, citing departmental clearances and heavy traffic on the flyover as reasons for the delays.

The project was completed at the end of July. A few days ago, police opened the loop for trial traffic flow, during which commuters reported congestion delays near Mehkri Circle.

Dismissing these concerns at the inauguration, the Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar remarked, “We cannot answer for all claims. We are here to serve people, don’t worry.”

Phase 2 of the project

The BDA is also constructing a two-lane loop to facilitate traffic coming from Yelahanka towards the city, which is expected to further reduce congestion on the Hebbal flyover and ease movement for vehicles from Kodigehalli.

Mr. Shivakumar stated that the project is being monitored by BDA Chairman N.A. Haris, and is scheduled for completion by November. He noted that the overall cost of the work stands at ₹300 crore. “The plan has been made to expand the two-lane connectivity to six lanes,” he said.

He also highlighted the 16.5-km twin-tunnel road linking Esteem Mall junction and Silk Board junction, which is expected to streamline traffic at the Hebbal junction.

Another tunnel project

About two weeks ago, the Deputy Chief Minister had announced another tunnel project after inspecting the newly-built loop. On August 18, he reiterated the plan, explaining that the 1.5-km tunnel will connect Esteem Mall junction and University of Agriculture Sciences in northern Bengaluru. It is intended to facilitate traffic flow from K.R. Puram towards the airport, and further north of the city.

D.K. Shivakumar on a bike

Adding a personal touch to the event, Mr. Shivakumar brought along his newly-restored Yezdi motorcycle for a trial ride on the new K.R. Puram loop. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah flagged off the ride, and the Deputy Chief Minister rode his Yezdi, which he had used during his college days. He had purchased the motorcycle for ₹10,400 back then.