Gridlock Erupts at Hebbal as Flyover Loop Inauguration Hits Rush-Hour Snag

Bangalore Mail Desk

BENGALURU, August 18, 2025 – What was meant to be a milestone infrastructure moment has quickly become a source of widespread frustration for Bengaluru commuters. The launch of the new flyover loop at Hebbal Junction by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar—held during peak Monday morning hours following a long weekend—triggered massive traffic snarls that rippled across the city.

Social media was ablaze with criticism from commuters who voiced their dismay over the timing of the inauguration, citing the rush-hour ceremony as a poor planning decision that added to the city’s notorious congestion.

One of the most vocal critics was BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to argue that the timing was outrageous, especially on the first working day of the week. He said he was stuck at Hebbal Junction for almost 50 minutes, nearly missing his flight due to the “nightmarish” traffic.

Other users echoed the outrage online. “That flyover loop was already open over the weekend—they closed it just for the ceremony,” one commuter posted. “It took me 30 minutes to cross Hebbal instead of the usual 2,” the comment read.

Another lamented, “Thousands of man-hours could’ve been saved if the inauguration had happened earlier—why announce it on a Monday?”

Despite the backlash, officials highlighted that the new loop—a 700-meter ramp connecting K.R. Pura’s traffic flow toward the city center—is expected to cut congestion by an estimated 30%. Constructed by the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA), the loop was completed in just seven months at a cost of around ₹80 crore.

Deputy CM Shivakumar emphasized that the structure will streamline movement from areas like Nagawara and the airport towards Mehkri and BEL Circles, potentially shaving off three to five minutes for commuters.