The long-pending Varthur elevated corridor project in Bengaluru has been given a fresh completion target of December 2026 by the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL). This significant announcement comes after the Rs 488-crore infrastructure initiative, vital for decongesting State Highway-35 (SH-35), faced numerous setbacks since its inception on May 20, 2019. The original completion date was slated for November 2021, but consistent issues with land acquisition, relocation of utilities, obtaining necessary approvals, and contractor-related execution delays have pushed the project far behind schedule. KRDCL Managing Director Susheelamma N, in a recent review meeting held on Monday, directed the contractors to accelerate work to meet the revised year-end deadline. Residents of Varthur, Gunjur, and surrounding areas have been vocal about their frustration, enduring years of severe traffic congestion, deteriorating road conditions, dust pollution, and safety concerns due to incomplete infrastructure. The SH-35 corridor, linking Whitefield, Varthur, Gunjur, Sarjapur, and the Outer Ring Road, has witnessed rapid residential and commercial expansion, but its infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. While KRDCL acknowledges the public's grievances and plans to engage with residents, skepticism remains high given the project's history of missed deadlines. The successful completion of this 100-foot elevated corridor is crucial for improving daily commuting and enhancing overall urban mobility in one of Bengaluru's fastest-growing tech corridors. The project's progress is now under intense scrutiny, with authorities emphasizing a firm commitment to deliver by the end of 2026. This development underscores the ongoing challenges and critical importance of urban infrastructure development in India's metropolitan centers.
