Panathur Road Reopening in 10 Days As Traffic Spills Over to HAL Airport Road, Marathahalli

The ongoing closure of Panathur Road has thrown traffic out of gear across East Bengaluru, with Marathahalli main road and HAL Airport Road bearing the brunt. Commuters are now facing longer travel times and extended peak hours as traffic diverts to already congested routes.

Traffic Spillover Hits HAL Airport Road

According to the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP), more than 50% of Panathur Road's daily traffic has shifted to HAL Airport Road - the only parallel route connecting key areas like Varthur, Whitefield, and Bellandur. This sudden influx has led to severe bottlenecks, especially between Marathahalli Bridge and Varthur Kodi.

"The morning rush now continues until 12 p.m., and the evening peak stretches till 10 p.m.," said a traffic officer from HAL Police Station.

Feeder roads such as Kundalahalli Main Road and Vibgyor School Road are also experiencing heavier-than-usual congestion.

Commuters Bear the Brunt

Daily commuters are feeling the pressure. Rakesh, who travels from Nallurahalli to Indiranagar, said her evening commute has increased by nearly 40 minutes.

"It takes over 20 minutes just to cross Marathahalli Bridge. What used to be a one-hour ride now takes almost 1 hour and 40 minutes," he shared.

Mahima, another commuter, noted worsening traffic on Outer Ring Road, especially during peak hours.

What's Causing the Delay?

Panathur Road was initially scheduled to reopen by November 1. However, persistent rains and overlapping infrastructure work by BWSSB and KPTCL delayed progress. While road laying is now complete, curing work is still ongoing.

"We need at least 14 days for proper curing, but traffic police are pushing for a 10-day reopening," said a senior official from East City Corporation.

The road is expected to remain closed for at least another 10 days, pending inspection.

Areas Most Affected

Tech corridors: Bellandur, Kaadubeesanahalli, Outer Ring Road

Residential zones: Balagere, Nallurahalli, Bellandur Amanikere

Feeder roads: Kundalahalli Main Road, Vibgyor School Road