Bengaluru Airport Corridor Set for Signal-Free Upgrade With New Underpass Project
The NHAI has launched the 35 crore rupee Sadahalli underpass project to create a signal-free corridor between Hebbal and Kempegowda International Airport. Scheduled for completion by February 2027, the upgrade aims to significantly reduce traffic congestion for airport commuters and surrounding areas.
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Construction of a 700-meter six-lane underpass is now underway at the Sadahalli junction.
The project aims to make the Hebbal to Kempegowda International Airport corridor completely signal-free.
Heavy construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with an expected completion date of February 2027.
The Sadahalli toll plaza remains Karnataka's highest revenue generator, collecting 308 crore rupees in 2023-24.
Commuters traveling toward the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru are set to benefit from a major infrastructure upgrade. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has officially commenced work on the long-awaited Sadahalli underpass project, aimed at eliminating the final bottleneck on the busy corridor.
Currently, the 22-kilometer stretch from Hebbal to the airport is largely free of traffic signals due to the presence of multiple flyovers and elevated roads. However, the Sadahalli junction has remained a persistent source of congestion. With an investment of 35 crore rupees, authorities are constructing a six-lane underpass to ensure seamless, signal-free connectivity for travelers.
Improving Infrastructure and Travel Efficiency
The Sadahalli underpass will span approximately 700 meters. According to NHAI officials, including project director K.B. Jayakumar, initial site preparations—such as installing barricades and widening existing service roads—will begin next week. To minimize disruption to daily traffic, the construction work is permitted to take place primarily at night, between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM, over the next 15 months.
The project utilizes a 'cut-and-cover' construction method. While preliminary tasks start immediately, major excavation work is scheduled to ramp up in September 2026, once the monsoon season concludes. The primary objective is to complete the infrastructure project before the Aero India exhibition in February 2027. The design was finalized after evaluating various options, ultimately favoring an underpass to manage the growing population and real estate expansion in the area effectively.
In addition to the construction updates, recent government disclosures highlighted the economic significance of this route. The Sadahalli toll plaza has emerged as the highest revenue-generating toll station in Karnataka. Data indicates that during the 2023-24 fiscal year alone, the plaza collected 308 crore rupees. Over the past decade, total collections have reached 1,577 crore rupees, underscoring the heavy traffic volume and commercial importance of this critical link to the city's international gateway.
By streamlining traffic at this key intersection, the Sadahalli underpass is expected to significantly reduce travel time for passengers, cargo logistics, and airport staff, marking a vital milestone in Bengaluru's urban mobility master plan.
