Bengaluru puts two-wheeler ban on KIA, Electronics City flyovers on hold

Bengaluru authorities have put the proposed ban on two-wheelers on the Kempegowda International Airport Road and Electronics City elevated corridors on hold for now, deciding to introduce the restrictions in phases after traffic problems emerged at diversion points.

The Bengaluru traffic police had announced restrictions on certain vehicles on five major flyovers from September 4. These included the BGS Flyover, Peenya Elevated Corridor, Electronics City Elevated Corridor, Double Decker Flyover between Silk Board and Ragigudda, and the Kempegowda International Airport Road Elevated Corridor between Sanjeev Nagar Cross and Vidyashilp Junction.

Restrictions on the Electronics City elevated corridor had been scheduled to begin from September 11.

A preliminary field assessment found that traffic movement on the BGS, Peenya and Double Decker flyovers was smooth after the notified restrictions were implemented.

“The Bengaluru traffic police undertook a preliminary field assessment of traffic conditions. Traffic movement on the BGS flyover, Peenya flyover and Double Decker flyover was found to be smooth and efficient after implementation of the notified restrictions,” Karthik Reddy, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said.

However, officials found that the simultaneous diversion of goods vehicles, two-wheelers and autorickshaws from the KIA elevated corridor was creating queues and congestion at approach ramps and affecting adjoining roads.

The police have therefore decided to implement restrictions on the airport elevated corridor in phases.

During the first phase, restrictions on goods vehicles will continue during the prescribed timings, while two-wheelers and autorickshaws will continue to be allowed on the elevated corridor.

Two-wheeler riders have been advised to use the leftmost lane predominantly, maintain lane discipline, avoid unsafe overtaking and travel at speeds within 60 km/hr.

The same phased approach will be followed on the Electronics City elevated corridor from September 11. Goods-vehicle restrictions will be enforced first, while two-wheelers will continue to be permitted.

Traffic police will monitor traffic flow, road-safety conditions, the feasibility of enforcement at entry points and the impact of diversions on lower-level roads.

Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the government would assess the real-world impact before implementing the remaining restrictions.

“Our intention is not to enforce any change in Bengaluru city’s traffic system merely on the basis of an order, but to examine the actual impact on the local traffic situation and implement it in phases in a manner that causes minimum inconvenience to the public. Equal priority will be given to both road safety and smooth traffic flow,” Kharge said.

The decision marks a change from the original plan announced earlier this week, after the initial implementation revealed congestion problems on the KIA corridor.

The remaining restrictions will therefore be introduced only after authorities assess their effect on traffic and road safety.