Sadahalli Junction on Ballari Road has long been a pain point for commuters travelling towards Kempegowda International Airport. Despite multiple flyovers and elevated corridors easing traffic on most
parts of the route, this junction remains the last signal-controlled stop on the main airport road.
During peak hours, vehicles often slow to a crawl here, leading to delays that ripple through the entire stretch. With airport traffic steadily increasing, the junction has emerged as a critical choke point, especially for early morning and late night travellers trying to make flights on time.
What the New Underpass Project Involves
To address the issue, the National Highways Authority of India has approved the construction of a 750-metre-long, 6 lane underpass at Sadahalli. The project is estimated to cost Rs 35 crore and is expected to begin in February 2026.
Once completed, the underpass will allow airport bound vehicles to pass through the junction without stopping at traffic signals, significantly reducing waiting time and congestion.
Timeline and Construction Plan
Officials estimate that the project will take around 2 years to complete. To reduce inconvenience during construction, NHAI plans to first widen the existing service roads on both sides of the highway. This will allow diverted traffic to move more smoothly while work on the underpass is underway.
Traffic diversions are expected at Sadahalli Junction during different phases of construction, but authorities say advance planning will help prevent severe bottlenecks.
Local Connectivity Will Be Maintained
One of the key concerns raised earlier by residents of Sadahalli and nearby villages was the risk of being cut off from the city during highway construction. To address this, a concrete slab will be constructed as part of the project to ensure uninterrupted local movement toward Bengaluru.
This will allow residents, school buses, and local traffic to cross the highway safely even while the main underpass work continues.
Why the Project Took Nearly a Decade
The Sadahalli solution has been delayed for almost 10 years. The project was initially proposed as an overpass before being redesigned as an underpass. Construction work began in 2019 but was later halted due to design related issues that required major revisions.
The revised design has now received fresh approval from NHAI headquarters, clearing the final administrative hurdles that stalled the project for years.
A Step Toward a Fully Signal Free Airport Drive
Alongside the Sadahalli underpass, NHAI is also constructing a 1 km service road near the Yelahanka Air Force Station using the cut and cover method. Once both projects are completed, the entire stretch from Hebbal to the airport is expected to become signal free.
For daily commuters, airport staff, and frequent flyers, this could finally mean a smoother, more predictable drive to the terminal, with fewer stops and far less time lost at traffic signals.
