₹450 Crore ORR Makeover: Bengaluru Seeks Public Opinion on White-Topping, Wider Footpaths
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has released a revised draft design for the Outer Ring Road (ORR) redevelopment, proposing wider footpaths, remodelled traffic junctions, and better utilisation of space beneath the metro line. The project, with a dedicated budget of ₹450 crore, aims to transform the 17.01-km stretch between Silk Board junction and K.R. Pura metro station into a global-standard mobility corridor.
Krishna Byre Gowda, Minister for Greater Bengaluru Development, presented the revised plans on Saturday and invited public feedback. The government has indicated a willingness to increase spending if necessary.
Among the key changes, the road surfacing technique is being revisited. GBA officials have suggested white-topping the main carriageway, citing benefits such as lower initial cost, a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, high load-bearing capacity, and resistance to rutting. However, this method would cause severe traffic disruption for at least eight months. Minister Gowda has asked citizens to share their views via email with the Bengaluru East City Corporation before a final decision is taken. Service roads will be black-topped after complete reconstruction.
The revised design aims to redesign each junction based on local requirements, including the placement of foot overbridges. Entry and exit points to the main carriageway will be planned near tech parks to prevent traffic hold-ups. Bus priority lanes will be introduced and separated from private vehicle lanes.
For pedestrians, the plan proposes 10-foot-wide footpaths and dedicated cycle lanes, ensuring continuous pathways without breaks. The design integrates metro stations with footpaths and skywalks to create a seamless network, reducing the need for pedestrians to walk on roads. Space beneath the metro viaduct will be used for public areas, including small food outlets to create a food street-like environment.
Other changes include shifting the drainage system underground, installing longer pipes, creating utility ducts, and relocating electricity poles that obstruct footpaths. A fresh survey has been ordered to identify encroachments, as authorities estimate 15% to 20% of establishments have failed to leave space for footpaths or have encroached upon them.
Minister Gowda noted that BMRCL will begin trial runs of the Blue Line in October, with metro operations expected in 2027. GBA Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao favours starting ORR redevelopment only after metro work is completed to avoid compounding traffic disruptions. The minister also indicated that some companies along the stretch have not contributed to planned pedestrian infrastructure beneath the viaduct, and discussions are ongoing to secure their participation.
The ORR is a crucial corridor for Bengaluru's IT sector and the national economy. The redevelopment aims to address unauthorised constructions and illegal encroachments that have developed over the past 30–40 years, ensuring a smoother and safer transit experience.
