DK Shivakumar proposes dedicated flyover from Hebbal to Bengaluru airport, writes to Nitin Gadkari

Bengaluru may soon see a dedicated elevated flyover from Hebbal to Kempegowda International Airport, proposed by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Updated on: May 8, 2025, 08:46:54 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Bengaluru may soon get a dedicated elevated flyover connecting Hebbal Junction to Kempegowda International Airport, as Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has pitched the ambitious proposal to the Union government. In a letter addressed to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Shivakumar underlined the urgent need for seamless connectivity to the rapidly growing international airport.

Also Read - Karnataka government to act on Centre’s advisory amid tensions with Pakistan

“The 35-km corridor from Hebbal to the airport is choked with traffic due to rising industrial activity and the emergence of commercial hubs. Although there is an existing elevated road, its efficiency is compromised by traffic signals and pedestrian crossings,” Shivakumar wrote. He added that a signal-free, dedicated flyover would drastically cut travel time for airport passengers, industrial freight vehicles, and daily commuters.

The proposal comes amid increasing concerns about Bengaluru’s traffic woes, especially on arterial routes leading to the airport. Shivakumar emphasised that the new flyover could serve as a critical lifeline for the city’s mobility, given the surging passenger numbers and airport expansion plans.

Crucial meetings in New Delhi

Apart from this, the Deputy Chief Minister urged the Centre to expedite work on other critical road and metro infrastructure. He called for the widening of the Bengaluru–Kanakapura highway into a six-lane road and demanded the completion of a 7-km stretch that connects the toll plaza at Kaggalipura on the city’s outskirts.

Also Read - Newly appointed BBMP chief launches drive to fix Bengaluru footpaths, prioritise pedestrian safety

Raising concerns over long-standing compensation issues, Shivakumar pressed the Centre to release funds for families affected by land acquisition for the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR). Despite construction beginning in 2009, many landowners along the Dobbspet–Magadi–Ramanagara–Harohalli route are still awaiting compensation.

One of the most ambitious proposals discussed was the construction of a 60-km tunnel road to link Bengaluru’s east-west and north-south corridors. Estimated to cost ₹30,000 crore — about ₹500 crore per kilometre — the tunnel would connect NH-7 and NH-4, offering a potential gamechanger in tackling the city’s chronic traffic bottlenecks. Shivakumar sought financial backing from the Union government to enable the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to implement the tunnel project in partnership with the state.

In addition, Shivakumar met Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to discuss the progress and future plans of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. He urged the Centre to clear the proposed 44.65 km stretch under Namma Metro Phase 3. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is also being prepared for another 37 km of expansion, which is expected to boost mass transit in the city significantly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.