Bengaluru’s Hebbal flyover makeover speeds up daily commute: See how traffic flow has improved

Airport-bound commuters finally have reason to smile as traffic on Hebbal flyover has become noticeably faster after fresh asphalt resurfacing. Once notorious for delays, the main carriageway now allows smoother and safer movement, cutting stress for flyers rushing to Kempegowda International Airport. Police say the upgrade has transformed one of Bengaluru’s biggest choke points into a faster-moving corridor.

Before the resurfacing, vehicles crawled at 20–25kmph due to potholes and surface damage. After the asphalt work, average speeds have jumped to 40–50kmph. Traffic officials say the improvement has significantly reduced travel time for airport commuters, especially during peak hours when Hebbal junction used to witness long queues and bottlenecks.

One of the biggest gains is emergency movement. Hebbal traffic police said that since the repairs, not a single ambulance has been stuck in slow-moving traffic on the flyover. Earlier, jams often delayed medical emergencies. The smoother surface and faster flow are now ensuring quicker, safer passage for emergency vehicles.

Earlier, the flyover was riddled with small potholes, asphalt damage, alligator cracks and sudden bumps near expansion joints. These made driving risky and uncomfortable. The damaged tar layer was removed and replaced with fresh stone matrix asphalt, creating a uniform surface that improves safety and prevents waterlogging during monsoon.

BNCC commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar said milling and stone matrix asphalting were carried out to strengthen the road. The previous bituminous layer had failed quickly, causing repeated issues. The new surface improves grip, durability and riding comfort, ensuring the flyover can withstand heavy daily traffic without rapid deterioration.

A major problem earlier was lane merging. Five lanes before the flyover squeezed into three lanes on it, slowing vehicles further due to damaged roads. Drivers braked suddenly to avoid bumps, increasing congestion and accident risk, especially for two-wheelers. With smoother asphalt, merging has now become more predictable and safer.

Two-wheeler users were among the worst affected earlier as sudden braking near potholes caused near-misses and injuries. Many motorists complained of back pain due to the rough stretch. The resurfaced flyover now offers a smoother ride, reducing physical strain and accident risk for bikers and scooter riders.

Traffic police and home guards remain deployed on the flyover to handle vehicle breakdowns. Earlier, stalled vehicles often triggered long jams. Now, quick response teams clear such obstructions fast, helping maintain steady movement and preventing minor incidents from snowballing into major traffic snarls.

While the flyover moves faster, congestion builds near Kempapura (Dairy Farm) bus stop, especially in the evenings. Though a bus bay exists, private buses often stop on the main road instead of using it. This disrupts traffic flow and creates fresh bottlenecks just after commuters exit the flyover.

Another fix was near Baptist Hospital, where vehicles had to crisscross lanes from the down-ramp. Authorities removed the median over a 100-metre stretch, allowing smoother alignment between main and service roads. Police say this has reduced confusion, improved flow and further sped up post-flyover movement.