The long-pending widening of the Varthur–Gunjur corridor in Bengaluru continues to be mired in delays, with authorities now pushing completion to 2027. The slowdown is largely due to unresolved land acquisition — 19 properties remain in limbo — casting uncertainty over a project originally slated for much earlier delivery.
The plan includes expanding the existing 30-metre road to 100 metres, constructing a 1.92-km, 60-ft elevated stretch from Varthur Lake Kodi to Vinayaka Theatre, raising a double-deck structure and accommodating railway alignment requirements. So far, only drainage work and demolition in limited pockets are visible, while full-scale progress remains stalled.
Of 198 properties identified for acquisition, most have been compensated — but the unresolved 19 are a major bottleneck. This standstill continues to aggravate daily commuting woes. Meanwhile, the narrower, potholed stretch of State Highway 35 (SH-35), which acts as a critical link in the absence of a parallel route, remains the only option for many — making travel hazardous. Dust, traffic jams, frequent potholes and deteriorating road conditions have reportedly led to health concerns and spike in minor accidents for commuters.
To offer temporary relief, the state’s road-improvement body under K-SHIP has proposed a ₹2.6-crore pothole-repair drive covering 70 km of stretches including SH-35. However, for many residents, a simple motorable surface — even if temporary — remains the urgent need.
With no alternate route to reach major roads like the Outer Ring Road, daily commuters and residents in the Varthur–Gunjur belt are bracing for prolonged hardship. Unless land acquisition issues are resolved quickly, the corridor may remain under construction for at least two more years, delaying the much-awaited traffic relief.
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