Twin Tunnel–Flyover Plan To Ease Hebbal Traffic On Bengaluru Airport Road

Last Updated:January 02, 2026, 12:31 IST

The tunnel is planned as a six-lane corridor, with three lanes in each direction, allowing vehicles to move beneath existing intersections and traffic signals without interruption.

The project is aimed at easing chronic congestion on Ballari Road, particularly between the Hebbal flyover and Mehkri Circle. (Image: X)

One of Bengaluru’s most congested stretches, Ballari Road, may soon see a major transformation as planners move ahead with an ambitious twin infrastructure project designed to bypass surface traffic entirely. The proposal combines an underground road tunnel with an elevated flyover, creating a signal-free corridor between Hebbal and Mehkri Circle.

The project is aimed at easing chronic congestion on Ballari Road, particularly between the Hebbal flyover and Mehkri Circle, which functions as a key gateway between Bengaluru and Kempegowda International Airport. Officials believe the new bypass could significantly cut travel time for airport-bound traffic and long-distance commuters passing through north Bengaluru.

Twin Structures, One Integrated Bypass

At the centre of the proposal is a 2.2 km underground tunnel running from the Hebbal junction to the Veterinary College area. The tunnel is planned as a six-lane corridor, with three lanes in each direction, allowing vehicles to move beneath existing intersections and traffic signals without interruption.

Alongside this tunnel will be a 1.2 km two-way elevated road starting near the University of Agricultural Sciences staff quarters and extending toward Mehkri Circle. Unlike conventional flyovers that usually carry traffic in one direction, this elevated road is planned for two-way movement and will act as a direct extension of the tunnel.

Both structures are being designed as a single, integrated system. Vehicles emerging from the tunnel will be able to continue directly onto the elevated road without merging back into surface traffic, offering a continuous bypass for through-traffic along Ballari Road.

Changes Planned at Mehkri Circle

At Mehkri Circle, the elevated road will feature rotary ramps on both ends. These circular ramps will allow vehicles to branch off smoothly toward Jayamahal Road and CV Raman Road, improving traffic dispersal and reducing pressure on the main junction.

However, not all existing routes will be altered. Commuters heading toward Cauvery Theatre and nearby local destinations will continue using the existing underpass, ensuring that neighbourhood access remains intact while the new infrastructure handles long-distance and airport-bound traffic.

Easing Airport and Long-Distance Travel

A major goal of the project is to separate airport-bound and through-traffic from local city movement. Ballari Road currently carries a mix of short-distance commuters, freight vehicles, and airport traffic, which often leads to severe bottlenecks during peak hours.

By diverting non-local vehicles into the tunnel and elevated corridor, planners expect surface roads to become less crowded, improving travel conditions for daily commuters and reducing signal-related delays along this busy stretch.

Designed With Future Links in Mind

The project is also being planned with future expansion in view. Officials have kept provisions to connect the elevated road to a proposed east-west elevated corridor linking KR Puram and Yeshwanthpur. If implemented, this could create a larger network of high-speed, signal-free routes cutting across the city.

The Ballari Road plan is part of a broader shift in Bengaluru’s traffic strategy. In parallel, tenders have already been floated for a much larger 17 km underground road connecting Hebbal to Central Silk Board, indicating a growing reliance on underground and elevated solutions as surface road space becomes increasingly constrained.

A Potential Turning Point for Ballari Road

If executed as envisioned, the twin tunnel and flyover system could significantly change traffic movement along Ballari Road. By providing a faster bypass for airport traffic and long-distance commuters, the project aims to reduce congestion at one of the city’s busiest entry points while improving overall travel efficiency in north Bengaluru.

While timelines and approvals are still evolving, the proposal marks one of the most ambitious attempts yet to rethink traffic flow on one of Bengaluru’s most critical corridors.

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