Bengaluru’s ORR to have white-topped roads, AC bus stands, footpaths and uniform service roads

The 22.7 km Outer Ring Road (ORR) stretch between K.R. Puram and Central Silk Board is set for a major revamp, featuring a white-topped carriageway, uniform service roads, upgraded public utilities, air-conditioned bus shelters, among the proposed plans. The redevelopment work is expected to begin in about four months.

The 22.7 km Outer Ring Road (ORR) stretch between K.R. Puram and Central Silk Board is set for a major revamp, featuring a white-topped carriageway, uniform service roads, upgraded public utilities, air-conditioned bus shelters, among the proposed plans. The redevelopment work is expected to begin in about four months.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) budget has allocated ₹400 crore for the redevelopment of the ORR, with the project to be executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). The government will soon be constituting the SPV to implement big-ticket projects including tunnel roads.

“Within three months, a detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared, followed by the tendering process. The government has a preliminary design to upgrade the ORR to world-class infrastructure standards,” a source in the BBMP said.

The stretch, infamous for traffic notoriety, is witnessing Phase (2A) metro line construction on the carriageway and is expected to be completed in mid-2026. The SPV will be carrying out works in stretches where metro work has ended.

BBMP engineer-in-chief B.S. Prahlad talking to The Hindu said of the 17-km stretch, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has vacated about 12 km beginning from Lowry junction at K.R. Puram. 

Besides, BMRCL has not occupied service roads on either side. This gives the advantage for the SPV to commence work as soon as the tender process is completed. Mr. Prahlad said the main six-lane carriageway will see white-topping and many other features will be incorporated. 

Civic activist R.K. Mishra, who is involved in the planning process, said as ORR has emerged as a major economic corridor and generates 32% of the total IT revenue for India, it has to be upgraded to international standards. Keeping this aspect in mind the mega plan is being drawn.