Connectivity enhances potential of Whitefield

Connectivity enhances potential of Whitefield
A series of infrastructure projects and the shift of airport traffic to Bangalore North has brought Whitefield another dimension, says Leena Mudbidri


The metamorphosis of Whitefield, and the areas around it, from a sleepy suburb to an effervescent IT and commercial hotspot, has been stupendous over the last few years. The emergence of the International Tech Park Bangalore, the Sri Sathya Sai Hospital and the Export Promotion Industrial Park, primarily due to the proximity to the HAL Airport, fuelled hectic real estate activity in the area despite the Airport Road burgeoning with slow-moving traffic.
With the international airport opening its doors in North Bangalore, the traffic has definitely shifted there. However, the improved road infrastructure in Bangalore East, especially within and around Whitefield, has boosted connectivity in the area propelling further demand in both residential and commercial property.
Infrastructure
development
A series of major infrastructure projects in Bangalore East has dramatically brought this region closer to the CBD and Bangalore North. The road widening projects of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) saw the Airport Road and Varthur Road being developed. The completed loop of the Airport Road flyover further streamlined connectivity between Inner Ring Road connecting Koramangala and Indiranagar, decongesting the through traffic to the Airport Road from Domlur. The widening of the Marathahalli overbridge too has improved connectivity within the area.
According to K S Krishna Reddy, chief engineer - major roads, BBMP, in East Bangalore the BBMP has planned to improve all arterial roads as well as the Outer Ring Road (ORR) connecting Thanisandra Main Road in Bangalore East with Bellary Road leading to the international airport in Bangalore North, in a phased manner. "All roads will be widened and strengthened in phases along the entire length of the road. While work on some roads has been completed, work on others will begin as soon as the detailed project reports (DPR) are submitted by the consultants," he said.
Elevated roads
Reddy reveals plans to have more elevated roads linking all arterial and peripheral roads in the city. According to him, the concept will involve building these roads over major storm water drains (SWD). "We have presented a proposal to have an elevated road connecting Dairy Circle, Trinity Circle, Ulsoor Gurudwara, Wheeler Road to Mekhri Circle. We have engaged the services of a consultant who has started work on the DPR and once it is approved, work should begin by May end this year," he added.
With the proposed new elevated road coming up along the Airport Road, starting at Kodihalli Gate, just at the down ramp of the existing Airport Road looped flyover, it will mean seamless connectivity between Central Bangalore and Whitefield literally overriding the Domlur bottleneck. The residents of Whitefield and ITPL employees can be ensured of smoother commuting to the city centre and other zones.