Bengaluru Silk Board flyover stretch shut after trial run flags major safety concerns

Bengaluru traffic police on Wednesday closed the newly opened carriageway of the double-decker flyover between Silk Board and Ragigudda Metro station, just a week after it was opened.

Officials said the 3.5-km stretch was only opened for a trial run, and the decision on regular traffic now lies with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

A senior police officer said several road safety issues were found during the trial, and BMRCL has been asked to fix them before full opening.

Key issues include lack of proper signage, with a need for advance signboards for the BTM Layout down ramp, along with rumble strips, speed limit boards, and stricter lane discipline.

Sources said the flyover will be opened for regular traffic from May 1. Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar is likely to inspect and take a ride on the new stretch, following which the corridor will be opened on a regular basis.

The flyover had initially eased traffic for commuters travelling from southern Bengaluru towards the Outer Ring Road stretch between K R Pura and Silk Board, after a Rs 530 crore investment by BMRCL.

A motorist, Badrinath, said, "Two days ago I took the flyover but on Wednesday I could not use it. Like me, other motorists were also clueless about the closure. If there are any issues, they should fix the problems and, without waiting for a VIP inauguration, allow regular traffic."