The alternative road to the KIAL is a welcome move as it is expected to reduce the traffic on the stretch by 30 to 40 per cent. As the alternative road will not be tolled, we can expect more vehicles to use it. But several passengers in a hurry to reach the airport could still use the tolled Ballari Road as they can speed on the national highway unlike on the alternative road, which is not in a good condition for a 5 to 6 km stretch and could cost them their flight.
But those returning from KIAL are expected to use the new alternative road as they are unlikely to be in a hurry. The proportion of people using the new road will also depend on how much time and distance they can save when compared to driving on the tolled Ballari Road.
For people travelling from different parts of the city there are other alternative roads to KIAL too. While those going to KIAL from the central parts of the city can use the existing Ballari Road via Hebbal and Yelahanka, people living in the south-eastern and eastern parts of the city can make use of the Thanisandra, Nagawara and Bagalur route to reach it.
People of western and southern parts of the city can rely on the Yeshwanthpur, GKVK, and Yelahanka route and those in the eastern parts of the city, on the road running via K R Puram, Bagalur and SH 104. Those in the north east of the city can use the Hoskote road and SH 35 to reach Devanahalli. The various routes need be developed at the earliest to ease traffic on Ballari Road.
The writer is traffic expert.
