The Bengaluru Outer Ring Road (ORR) — one of the city’s busiest and most critical transport corridors — is set for a major transformation, as the newly established Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B.Smile) begins groundwork to upgrade a 22-kilometre stretch between Silk Board Junction and Baiyappanahalli.

The revamp comes as part of a larger vision to modernise urban mobility in Karnataka’s capital, aligning with global standards of infrastructure and commuter comfort. The BBMP, which had allocated ₹400 crore in its latest budget for this segment, has officially handed over the project to B.Smile, entrusting the agency with design, planning, and execution responsibilities.

Project Objectives and Preparatory Phase

As part of the preparatory phase, B.Smile will engage a private consultancy firm through tendering to deliver technical solutions and develop detailed engineering designs. These designs will cover the main ORR carriageway as well as the adjoining service roads, with the final blueprint expected in two to three months.

According to the tender documents, the project will incorporate urban transport innovations, including:

• Dedicated bus lanes to facilitate smooth public transport.

• Modern traffic signage for better regulation.

• Smart traffic management systems, including one-way corridors.

• Infrastructure for non-motorised transport (NMT) like cycling and pedestrian movement.

• Pedestrian skywalks, upgraded bus stops, and grade separators to reduce congestion.

This marks a significant step toward integrating urban design with transit efficiency, aiming to enhance the commuter experience in one of India’s most traffic-congested cities.

Why the Upgrade Matters

The ORR stretch between Silk Board and Baiyappanahalli is not only a daily nightmare for commuters, but also a vital economic artery linking IT parks, residential zones, and commercial hubs. With Bengaluru witnessing exponential urban growth, the existing infrastructure is struggling to accommodate the increased traffic load.

Officials involved with the project highlighted that modernising this stretch is essential for long-term urban sustainability, especially in view of:

• The increasing dependence on public transport systems like the Bengaluru Metro (Namma Metro).

• The city’s growing reputation as a tech and startup hub, demanding efficient mobility.

• The necessity for a more resilient urban transit system to tackle pollution, congestion, and lost productivity.

Integration with Larger Urban Goals

This project is expected to be a template for future infrastructure initiatives across the city. The multi-pronged upgrade approach includes not just road widening or repairs, but a smart redesign based on urban planning, safety, and sustainability.

It will also support Bengaluru’s mobility vision, which aims to:

• Prioritise public and shared transport.

• Reduce carbon emissions via non-motorised and electric transport options.

• Enhance multi-modal transport integration, connecting buses, metros, autos, and taxis into a seamless ecosystem.

Once implemented, the ORR transformation will improve travel times, enhance safety, and boost commuter confidence in public transport infrastructure.

About B.Smile

Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B.Smile) is a dedicated government-backed agency, recently established to oversee major infrastructure revamps in Bengaluru. Its objective is to bring expertise, speed, and accountability into city development projects, cutting through bureaucratic delays and ensuring faster execution.

This ORR upgrade will be B.Smile’s flagship project, setting a benchmark for how future urban transport corridors in Bengaluru will be reimagined.

What Happens Next?

• Tendering process for consultancy firms is currently underway.

• Detailed designs and blueprints are expected to be finalised in two to three months.

• The construction phase will begin post-final approvals, with traffic diversions and commuter notifications planned to manage disruptions.

• The ₹400 crore funding will cover all smart mobility features, safety enhancements, and service lane expansions.

Public and Economic Impact

Residents and professionals commuting daily on the ORR corridor have long voiced concerns about:

• Traffic jams lasting hours, especially during peak office hours.

• Inadequate pedestrian and cyclist safety, with minimal crossings.

• Poor last-mile connectivity, forcing greater reliance on private vehicles.

With this smart revamp, these problems are expected to be significantly reduced, supporting economic productivity and ensuring a better quality of life for citizens.

Real estate developers and urban planners have also expressed optimism, stating that the new infrastructure will increase the value of surrounding properties, boost commercial viability, and enable more equitable urban expansion.

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