New traffic rules in Bengaluru: No entry for two-wheelers on KIA and e-city elevated corridors; more restrictions on five flyovers

Come September, two-wheelers will be banned on two major elevated corridors — Airport Road (towards KIA) and Electronics City — in Bengaluru, a move aimed at reducing accidents and improving traffic movement. The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has also announced restrictions on the movement of certain other categories of vehicles on five flyovers in the city.

According to the BTP, the decision follows a review of accidents on certain flyovers, particularly those attributed to variations in vehicle speeds. The restrictions on the BGS Flyover, Peenya Elevated Corridor, Double-Decker Flyover and Kempe Gowda International Airport Road Elevated Corridor will come into effect from September 4. Those on the Electronics City Elevated Corridor will be implemented from September 11.

The BTP said it considered several factors, including road safety, the design and width of the flyovers, severity of accidents, congestion caused by vehicle breakdowns, congestion at entry and exit points, traffic management during emergencies, and the safety of two-wheeler riders.

A senior traffic police officer told The Hindu that the move had been under consideration for a long time, as the number of accidents on the stretches was growing.

“A comprehensive review of data was done before taking the decision. We will review the impact of these restrictions and make necessary adjustments in the future,” the officer said.

Another officer explained that the Electronics City flyover is currently managed by Bangalore Elevated Tollway Pvt. Ltd. (BETPL), and its term will end soon. “There are talks about handing over the flyover to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), but it is likely that the period could be extended. Even then, we will discuss with BETPL and make changes,” the officer said.

The move is likely to draw commuter outrage, especially two-wheeler restrictions, as both flyovers are used by thousands of office-goers in the city. The BTP has urged the public to cooperate with the initiative, stating that the measures have been introduced in the interest of public safety and smoother traffic movement.