Jalahalli Cross Underpass Project Receives Fresh Impetus After GBA Inspection

Nearly eight years after an underpass was planned at Jalahalli Cross, fresh impetus has emerged for its implementation following an inspection by Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao on Friday.

Mr. Rao inspected the junction alongside Bengaluru West City Corporation Commissioner K.V. Rajendra and instructed municipal engineers to initiate preparatory works as soon as remaining land parcels are secured. The infrastructure intervention aims to alleviate chronic traffic bottlenecks at a vital intersection where the Bengaluru-Mangaluru and Tumakuru highways converge.

Municipal records indicate that the project necessitates the acquisition of 48 properties. While the west corporation has secured possession of 22 properties, acquisition proceedings remain pending for 26 additional parcels. The civil construction cost is estimated at ₹57.2 crore, with total expenditure on land acquisition reaching nearly ₹139 crore, bringing the overall project cost to approximately ₹170 crore.

First conceptualized in early 2019 under the municipal corporation, the grade separator project faced prolonged delays due to administrative hurdles and land acquisition disputes. The corridor connecting Gangamma Circle to Jalahalli Circle spans across two Assembly constituencies, requiring coordinated administrative execution.

The intersection handles heavy commuter volume, accommodating thousands of passengers arriving daily from neighboring districts via Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses and private transport. Traffic density is further compounded by the junction's proximity to the Peenya Industrial Area and major transit routes.

During the site visit, Mr. Rao directed officials to fast-track land acquisition and clear obstacles holding up the civil works. He also instructed engineers to construct a temporary service road on already acquired parcels to sustain traffic flow during the construction phase.

If ground execution commences shortly, this will mark the third stalled underpass initiative to transition into implementation this year, following similar progress on the Wind Tunnel Junction and Okalipuram underpass projects. Municipal authorities expect the intervention to streamline commuter movement upon completion.