BENGALURU: Within a week of opening the new carriageway of the double-decker flyover between Silk Board and Ragigudda Metro station, city traffic police Wednesday closed the road to motorists. Police said the 3.5-km stretch was opened only for a trial run, and a decision on regular operations now rests with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).A senior police officer said several road safety issues were noticed during the trial run, and BMRCL has been asked to rectify them. Sources said the flyover will be opened for regular traffic from May 1. Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar is likely to inspect and take a ride on the new stretch, following which the corridor will be opened on a regular basis.“Several road-related issues were identified on the elevated corridor, including inadequate signage. There is a need to install a signboard indicating the down ramp towards BTM Layout at least 100 metres in advance to assist motorists coming from the HSR Layout side. Instructions have also been issued to install rumble strips as a safety measure, put up speed limit signage, and enforce strict lane discipline on the flyover,” the senior police officer said.Opening of the flyover had brought relief to thousands of motorists travelling from southern parts of Bengaluru to the Outer Ring Road stretch between K R Pura and Silk Board. BMRCL invested Rs 530 crore in the project. The stretch from Ragigudda to Silk Board was opened in July 2024, and the reverse stretch was opened on a trial basis last Wednesday.Many motorists were clueless as to why the road stretch was closed within a few days of opening. Badrinath, a motorist, said, “Two days ago I took the flyover but on Wednesday I could not use it. Like me, other motorists were also clueless about the closure. If there are any issues, they should fix the problems and, without waiting for a VIP inauguration, allow regular traffic.”
