Hans News Service Bengaluru

Bengaluruis set to take a major step towards easing its traffic congestion with the proposed construction of the city’s longest elevated corridor. Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) has invited tenders for the 28-km elevated corridor connecting Yeshwanthpur (Mattikere Cross) to Tin Factory Junction in KR Puram.

The elevated corridor, which is also planned as the city’s first tolled elevated road, will pass through key locations including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Mekhri Circle, Jayamahal Road, St. John’s Church Road and the Ulsoor Lake area. Officials expect the project to significantly reduce traffic congestion along these busy stretches. The project will be implemented under the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model at an estimated cost of Rs 3,536.89 crore. The government will provide 40 per cent of the project cost as Viability Gap Funding (VGF). The successful bidder will be permitted to collect tolls from road users for 30 years after completing the project. B-SMILE Technical Director B.S. Prahlad said the increasing number of vehicles in the city has made it necessary to expand the road network and develop elevated corridors. He said the toll rates would be fixed in accordance with government notifications, keeping the interests of motorists in mind. Under the proposed model, the concessionaire will also be responsible for maintaining the quality of the elevated road, while motorists are expected to benefit from smoother and faster travel.

The 28-km corridor is among 11 major infrastructure projects planned to address Bengaluru’s traffic problems. B-SMILE is also expected to invite a tender soon for another 18.5-km tolled elevated corridor connecting Ragi Gudda Junction on Marenahalli Main Road with Talaghattapura Junction on Kanakapura Main Road.