Bengaluru’s Double-Decker Flyover Eases Silk Board Jam But Gridlock Builds at Ragigudda

Bengaluru's first double-decker flyover between HSR Layout and Ragigudda has started delivering what it promised-at least in parts. The elevated stretch is helping motorists move past the long-standing congestion at Silk Board and nearby junctions like Jayadeva Hospital and Udupi Garden, cutting down signal delays and improving travel time. But the relief doesn't last long.

As vehicles descend at Ragigudda, they are met with a familiar sight-a traffic signal and a growing queue. During peak hours, the congestion builds quickly, with vehicles backing up onto the flyover itself. The result is a shift rather than a solution: what was once a choke point at Silk Board is now playing out a few kilometres ahead.

The flyover, built along the same pillars as the upcoming metro line, is being projected as a model for future infrastructure projects in the city. At its inauguration, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said such double-decker corridors could be replicated across Bengaluru to address space constraints and rising traffic.

On the ground, however, commuters are pointing to a basic flaw. A high-speed elevated road, they say, should not end at a narrow, signalised junction. The entry and exit ramps at Ragigudda are already struggling to handle the surge in vehicles, leading to bottlenecks and slowing down traffic flow almost immediately after the descent.

Traffic police acknowledge the issue but say it is still early days. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic, South) Gopal M Byakod said officials are monitoring the situation closely and may adjust signal timings or introduce diversions to ease congestion at Ragigudda.

For now, the pattern is clear. The flyover has reduced delays at Silk Board and improved speeds along the elevated stretch. But without seamless dispersal at the exit, the congestion has not disappeared-it has simply moved.

The Silk Board-HSR-Ragigudda flyover shows Bengaluru can build faster roads. The gridlock at the end of it shows the city still needs to get the landing right.