RITES, an Indian engineering consultancy, said that a proposed double-decker flyover in Bengaluru would undercut the benefits of the city's Metro system [1].
The warning highlights a critical tension between traditional road expansion and modern sustainable transit. If the project proceeds, it could reverse efforts to reduce urban congestion by incentivizing more private-vehicle traffic over public rail [1].
According to the report released in early 2024, the flyover would conflict with national policies designed to promote sustainable urban mobility [1]. RITES said the project could increase the use of private cars, which contradicts the goal of shifting commuters toward mass transit systems [2].
Beyond the policy conflict, the consultancy identified significant engineering and operational challenges associated with the double-decker design [1]. The complexity of constructing such a structure in a densely populated urban area poses risks to the efficiency of existing infrastructure [2].
Bengaluru has invested heavily in its Metro network to alleviate some of the worst traffic congestion in India. The RITES analysis suggests that adding high-capacity road infrastructure alongside these rail investments creates a contradictory urban planning strategy [1].
State government officials are now reviewing the findings to determine if the project remains viable. The consultancy said that prioritizing sustainable transit is essential for the long-term viability of the city's transport network [2].
“the proposed double-decker flyover in Bengaluru would undercut the benefits of the Metro system”
This conflict illustrates the 'induced demand' phenomenon, where increasing road capacity often leads to more traffic rather than less. By flagging this, RITES is pushing the Karnataka government to choose between a car-centric expansion and a transit-oriented development model, which has broader implications for how Indian cities manage growth and pollution.
