J.P. Nagar residents raise red flag over Metro Phase 3 double-decker flyover alignment

The Hindu

18-05-2025

Residents of J.P. Nagar have raised serious concerns about the proposed double-decker flyover under Namma Metro Phase 3, warning that its alignment could worsen traffic congestion near the already-busy Vega City Mall junction on Bannerghatta Road.
The flyover, part of Corridor 1 from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura, is set to land just 130 metres away from the Vega City Mall signal, a move locals believe could lead to severe gridlock.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), which has already begun land acquisition for the 32.15-km Corridor 1, has proposed a signal-free flyover as part of the metro alignment. While residents have welcomed the project's potential to decongest the city, they say the current design needs urgent revision.
'The problem is not with the metro but where the flyover ends. Ending it so close to the Vega City Mall signal will only shift the bottleneck, not eliminate it. We have already written to BMRCL and met our area's elected representative in March to highlight this issue,' a resident of J.P. Nagar 3rd Phase, who doesn't want to be named, told The Hindu.
He further explained, 'We residents of J.P. Nagar have shared our concerns, particularly about the ramp landing close to the junction. Adding ramps and expanding roads are not long-term solutions. They simply displace traffic rather than reduce it. We've urged BMRCL and BBMP officials to conduct detailed traffic simulation studies before finalising the alignment.'
Residents seek shift in flyover landing
The J.P. Nagar 4th Phase Dollars Layout Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) has also formally communicated its apprehensions to BMRCL. In a letter, the association noted: 'We wholeheartedly welcome Namma Metro Phase 3, recognising its potential to ease Bengaluru's traffic woes. However, the proposed 32-km signal-free double-decker corridor is expected to funnel traffic from Hebbal and Tumakuru Road directly to an area barely 130 metres from the J.D. Mara signal and the Vega City Mall. This could create massive congestion and spillover effects into nearby residential areas, impacting local schools, hospitals, businesses, and residents.'
To mitigate these risks, the RWA has suggested a shift in the alignment. 'A constructive alternative, unanimously resolved by residents, is to have the flyover land before the Kanakapura Road signal. This would create a 2.5 km buffer zone for better traffic dispersal and improve connectivity to the Silk Board flyover near Raghavendra Swamy Temple. Such a change would serve the project's goals while minimising disruption to sensitive residential zones, including the 15th Cross area,' the letter stated.
Meanwhile, residents say their appeals remain unanswered. 'Despite a series of meetings with BMRCL officials, the latest one being on May 12, there has been no concrete response from their side. We want development, but it must be thoughtful and sustainable. This project, if not planned properly, will turn Vega City junction into another nightmare for commuters.'
When The Hindu contacted BMRCL officials have not responded to the concerns raised by residents. A senior official said the matter is still under review. All about Namma Metro Phase 3.
Corridor 1, which will also feature major interchange stations at JP Nagar and Peenya (on the Green Line), Mysuru Road (on the Purple Line), and Sumanahalli (on the Hosahalli–Kadabagere Corridor 2), aims to expand the reach of Bengaluru's metro network. JP Nagar Phase 4 will also be linked to the Pink Line at Bannerghatta Road, while Hebbal will function as a key interchange connecting the Blue Line (to the airport) and the Red Line (to Sarjapur).
Phase 3, also referred to as the Orange Line, will be fully elevated and is expected to serve underserved areas along Magadi Road and the western portion of the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Once completed in 2029, it is projected to accommodate 7.85 lakh daily commuters, extending the city's metro network to 222.2 km.
While the project has received all mandatory approvals, including a Union Cabinet nod in August 2024, officials admit that design adjustments required for the double-decker viaduct have delayed the construction timeline.