Relief for Bengaluru commuters: Kamaraj Road Fully Open After 6 Years

The Kamaraj Road stretch between MG Road and Cubbon Road has fully reopened for vehicular traffic on Friday, ending a six-year closure. The road had been closed for the construction of the MG Road underground Metro station on the upcoming Pink Line, marking a significant milestone in city infrastructure.

One side of the road, accommodating traffic from Cauvery Emporium towards Cubbon Road, was opened in June 2024. This allowed partial vehicular movement while construction continued on the parallel carriageway, easing some congestion on this busy arterial road ahead of its complete reopening.

The carriageway for vehicles moving from Cubbon Road towards Brigade Road was inaugurated on Friday. With this, the complete Kamaraj Road stretch is now operational in both directions, providing uninterrupted access and improving connectivity between key commercial and traffic-heavy areas in the city centre.

The road closure was primarily for the construction of the MG Road underground Metro station on the Pink Line. The station is part of the expanding metro network aimed at enhancing public transport access and reducing traffic congestion in Bengaluru’s central commercial zones.

Over 80 trees were removed along both sides of Kamaraj Road to make way for the underground station. While necessary for construction, the removal highlighted environmental concerns. Urban planners and authorities have emphasised that compensatory measures and landscaping plans will be implemented to restore greenery along the road.

The reconstructed Kamaraj Road spans 214 metres in length. Both carriageways now offer a minimum width of 11 metres, ensuring smooth vehicular movement. The modernised stretch has been built to handle high traffic volumes and improve safety for both private and public vehicles navigating this busy city corridor.

Authorities expect the full reopening of Kamaraj Road to significantly ease traffic congestion along MG Road and surrounding areas. The wide carriageways and uninterrupted connectivity between key junctions are designed to streamline vehicle movement, reducing travel time for commuters and improving overall efficiency in the central business district.

The reopening is set to improve access between commercial hubs such as Commercial Street and Brigade Road. Easier movement along Kamaraj Road will benefit businesses, shoppers, and transport operators, while enhancing overall connectivity for vehicles moving between these high-footfall and commercially important areas in the city.

Traffic police highlighted that the reopening will streamline vehicular movement around Brigade Road and Commercial Street. The upgraded carriageways and clearly defined lanes aim to reduce bottlenecks, prevent congestion during peak hours, and make commuting smoother for both local and through traffic in Bengaluru’s central district.

The Kamaraj Road reopening aligns with broader urban transport and Metro expansion plans. It is expected to support public transit, improve accessibility to metro stations, and complement efforts to reduce road congestion. The upgraded infrastructure enhances city mobility while facilitating smoother integration with Bengaluru’s expanding Metro network.