Bengaluru’s Major Arterial Road Nears Completion

19 Feb 2025 CW Team

The project, initially budgeted at Rs 4.65 billion ($56 million), has escalated to Rs 5.85 billion ($70 million) due to delays and rising costs. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has secured 321 acres for the road, which runs from Challaghatta on Mysuru Road to Kadabagere Cross on Magadi Road. It passes through key areas like Kambipura, K Krishna Sagara, and Kommaghatta, integrating urban and rural sectors while easing congestion for thousands of daily commuters.

Delays and Roadblocks Launched in 2011, the MAR project faced multiple setbacks, with tenders only issued in 2017 and construction beginning a year later. Originally slated for completion in August 2019, progress stalled due to pending approvals from the forest department and the delayed construction of a railway underpass near the Challaghatta Metro depot.

Despite these hurdles, BDA officials are optimistic, stating that all remaining issues are being resolved and the road should be operational within two months. The long-awaited project underscores concerns about Bengaluru’s slow infrastructure execution and the need for faster urban development strategies.

A Greener Future for Bengaluru Beyond connectivity, the MAR project aligns with sustainable urban planning. By reducing reliance on the tolled NICE Road and cutting down fuel consumption, it is expected to lower carbon emissions in one of India’s most congested cities. The improved infrastructure could also boost public transport ridership, supporting a shift towards eco-friendly mobility solutions.

As Bengaluru continues its rapid expansion, the MAR project serves as a model for integrating infrastructure with sustainability, ensuring that future urban development balances efficiency, environmental impact, and civic progress.

The much-anticipated Major Arterial Road (MAR) project in Bengaluru is nearing completion, promising to transform connectivity between the city's southern and western regions. Spanning 10.8 kilometers, the corridor will reduce travel time from 1.5 hours to just 10 minutes, offering a crucial alternative to the tolled NICE Road. The project, initially budgeted at Rs 4.65 billion ($56 million), has escalated to Rs 5.85 billion ($70 million) due to delays and rising costs. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has secured 321 acres for the road, which runs from Challaghatta on Mysuru Road to Kadabagere Cross on Magadi Road. It passes through key areas like Kambipura, K Krishna Sagara, and Kommaghatta, integrating urban and rural sectors while easing congestion for thousands of daily commuters. Delays and Roadblocks Launched in 2011, the MAR project faced multiple setbacks, with tenders only issued in 2017 and construction beginning a year later. Originally slated for completion in August 2019, progress stalled due to pending approvals from the forest department and the delayed construction of a railway underpass near the Challaghatta Metro depot. Despite these hurdles, BDA officials are optimistic, stating that all remaining issues are being resolved and the road should be operational within two months. The long-awaited project underscores concerns about Bengaluru’s slow infrastructure execution and the need for faster urban development strategies. A Greener Future for Bengaluru Beyond connectivity, the MAR project aligns with sustainable urban planning. By reducing reliance on the tolled NICE Road and cutting down fuel consumption, it is expected to lower carbon emissions in one of India’s most congested cities. The improved infrastructure could also boost public transport ridership, supporting a shift towards eco-friendly mobility solutions. As Bengaluru continues its rapid expansion, the MAR project serves as a model for integrating infrastructure with sustainability, ensuring that future urban development balances efficiency, environmental impact, and civic progress.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..