Bengaluru: Relief on one of north Bengaluru’s most congested stretches appears in sight with govt launching work on the Rs 725-crore Mehkri Circle flyover project, which is expected to be completed in 18 months.The project has two components: elevated corridor from Mehkri Circle to Baptist Hospital and a tunnel from Baptist Hospital to a point beyond Hebbal flyover. The integrated design aims to improve traffic flow along the entire stretch rather than address congestion at individual points.Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has begun preliminary work, including soil investigation. However, the tunnel component is progressing slowly because of a case pending in high court.NA Haris, BDA chairperson, said the project was conceived as an integrated solution to ease congestion. “The aim is to provide smoother traffic movement and strengthen connectivity to north Bengaluru and the airport,” he said.An IIT Bombay report suggests the project, which crisscrosses Ganganagar and Sanjaynagar, is expected to reduce traffic congestion by at least 60% under a worst-case scenario and up to 80% under best-case scenario.The elevated corridor will have two lanes in each direction, while the tunnel will have three lanes on either side. At the Veterinary College end, two lanes in each direction will connect to the elevated corridor, while the other lane will cater to local traffic.The elevated road will lead to a rotary at Mekhri Circle which will also link the proposed Yeshwantpur-KR Pura east-west corridor, potentially providing commuters with a more continuous route.Haris said the project was designed to ensure that its various components functioned together to deliver intended benefits. “Coordinated execution of these components will be key to reducing bottlenecks and improving commuting experience,” he said.BDA has also sought to address concerns over tree loss, with the authority working on transplanting trees wherever possible. Only 50 to 60 trees that cannot be transplanted are currently proposed to be cut. BDA has initiated discussions with non-govt organisations to explore whether these trees can also be saved.The total estimated project cost includes land acquisition, utility shifting and other overheads. The construction contract awarded to Auro-KMC JV is worth about Rs 440 crore, excluding other project-related expenses.
