Bengaluru’s Double-Decker Flyover At Silk Board Junction Eases Traffic But Causes New Bottlenecks

The Silk Board Junction in Bengaluru has long been notorious for its traffic congestion, which has inspired countless memes and jokes. However, the newly constructed double-decker flyover along the Namma metro lines, stretching 5.12 km, from the Ragigudda metro station to Central Silk Board junction, was expected to ease congestion. While the flyover has indeed reduced some traffic on the Silk Board stretch, the numerous diversions implemented to streamline access to it have led to increased traffic in surrounding areas.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) constructed the double-decker flyover at a cost of ₹449 crore, aiming to resolve the traffic bottleneck at Central Silk Board. The flyover was designed to provide a faster route for commuters heading to K.R. Puram and Hosur Road, potentially reducing travel time by over 30%. However, recent reports by The Hindu revealed that only vehicles coming from Ragigudda were using the flyover, while traffic from BTM Layout, J.P. Nagar, and Bannerghatta Road continued to clog the roads below the flyover.

The congestion near BTM Layout and Central Silk Board persisted, and more recent visits indicate that residents around the flyover ramp are experiencing unexpected traffic increases due to diversions implemented by the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP). These diversions, including halting right turns at junctions near the flyover's entry points, have forced commuters to take longer routes and navigate additional bottlenecks.

For example, commuters coming from Jayanagar 4th Block or Shalini Ground must now travel all the way to Sarakki Market instead of taking a right turn at the Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Signal. Similarly, those coming from Banashankari or Sangam Circle must make a U-turn at Rajalakshmi Hospital or divert via Sarakki or Central Mall in Jayanagar 9th Block.

The diversion has also impacted those coming from J.P. Nagar, who are now required to travel an extra 1.5 to 2 km to reach the flyover ramp due to the closure of right turns from J.P. Nagar 1st and 2nd phases.

A traffic police official managing the Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Signal acknowledged that despite the right turn restrictions, traffic remains heavy due to weekend crowds and devotees visiting nearby temples. He noted that the right turns are blocked only at this junction to ensure a smooth flow to the flyover.

Bengaluru South DCP Shivaprakash Devaraju stated that while stopping right turns has reduced traffic congestion on the flyover, it has led to heavy congestion in Jayanagar and J.P. Nagar. He believes that allowing right turns would create multiple deadlocks and worsen traffic conditions.

Traffic expert Prof. M.N. Srihari criticised the approach, suggesting that closing right turns is not a comprehensive solution. He pointed out that the flyover's single entry and exit point adds to the problem and stressed the need for consulting traffic experts to develop a more effective plan.