Challaghatta railway bridge: Bengaluru’s long-awaited west corridor nears completion

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has completed the railway underbridge at Challaghatta, a key part of the long-awaited arterial road project that will improve connectivity in Bengaluru’s western suburbs.

Once opened, the new corridor will create a smooth connection between Magadi Road and the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway (NH-275) through Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, reducing travel time for thousands of commuters.

The newly completed underbridge at Challaghatta was one of the most challenging components of the project as the work had to be carried out beneath an active railway track connecting Bengaluru and Mysuru.

Officials said the project involved a 40-metre box-pushing operation, with each concrete box weighing around 1,200 metric tonnes. The work was completed in just three months with round-the-clock construction.

The Major Arterial Road (MAR) project includes an 11-km stretch designed as a 100-metre-wide, 10-lane corridor with six main carriageway lanes and four service lanes to handle heavy traffic.

Apart from the underbridge, BDA is also building a vehicular overpass near Challaghatta to improve movement between different blocks of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout and ensure smoother traffic flow.

The arterial road is being developed as part of the proposed Peripheral Ring Road Phase-2 project, which aims to strengthen connectivity between key highways around Bengaluru.

Officials said the project will also include a dedicated cycle track, tree-lined avenues and beautification work along the 11-km stretch, making it one of the city’s wider and more modern road corridors.

With the major components now completed, officials said the entire corridor is expected to be ready by April, bringing long-awaited relief to residents and motorists in west Bengaluru.