Challaghatta railway underbridge in Bengaluru ready, major arterial road nears April completion | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: The long-awaited connectivity boost for west Bengaluru is finally nearing reality. Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has completed the railway underbridge (RUB) at Challaghatta, a crucial component of infrastructure under the Major Arterial Road (MAR) project. Once fully operational, the corridor will create a seamless link between Magadi Road and the Bengaluru–Mysuru access-controlled highway through Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL). Officials say the long-delayed project has now entered its final stretch, with full completion expected by April.According to BDA officials, construction of the RUB involved several technical challenges as the work had to be carried out beneath a live railway track connecting Bengaluru and Mysuru. The work was executed in phases over the last three months in coordination with South Western Railway.The 40-metre box-pushing operation was particularly complex, with each of the eight concrete boxes weighing about 1,200 metric tonnes. “Works beneath an active railway line usually take around six months. However, with close coordination with the railways, deployment of additional manpower and round-the-clock work, the project was completed in three months,” a BDA official said.BDA is also constructing a vehicular overpass near RUB. The proposed overpass, located about 10 metres from the underpass, will provide connectivity between Blocks 5 and 6 of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout. Officials said the overpass work is progressing well and is expected to be completed in a month.The MAR is being developed as part of the proposed Peripheral Ring Road Phase-2 project that will link Hosur Road with Bengaluru–Mysuru highway. Officials said the state govt has approved acquisition of four acres of land along the MAR alignment for the project.“There are 17 points where service roads currently have missing links. Process is on to complete the works that include with ducts and provisions for utilities,” the official said. Motorists and allottees of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout have demanded that the Challaghatta junction, where the MAR meets the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway, be designed in a futuristic manner to avoid traffic congestion. BDA currently plans to install traffic signals at the junction and take up integration works as part of the PRR-2 project. Officials said traffic police have been consulted to ensure smooth movement at the junction.Cycle track, canopy on 11-km stretch Considering public demand, BDA will also construct a cycle track along the corridor and undertake beautification with flower- and fruit-bearing trees. The 11-km road is planned as a 100-metre wide, 10-lane corridor with six main carriageway lanes and four service lanes to manage local traffic. Multiple rotaries are also planned to provide access to various blocks of Kempegowda Layout. Once opened, the MAR is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Magadi Road and Bengaluru–Mysuru corridor.