Bengaluru Outer Ring Road to Get Smart Food Courts and Gig Hubs Under New Infrastructure Master Plan

Bengaluru is preparing for a major makeover along one of its busiest traffic corridors as Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited has unveiled an ambitious master plan to redevelop the 17.1 kilometre stretch of the Outer Ring Road between Silk Board Junction and KR Puram. The project, estimated to cost ₹450 crore, aims to improve public transport, pedestrian safety and urban amenities while introducing modern infrastructure inspired by leading international cities.

The redevelopment plan focuses on six major junctions and introduces a wide range of commuter friendly facilities. Officials believe the upgraded corridor will significantly enhance mobility for the lakhs of people who travel through the route every day while creating safer and more accessible public spaces.

One of the key highlights of the project is the construction of 10 smart bus shelters equipped with digital bus arrival displays, CCTV surveillance and charging points for mobile phones and laptops. Dedicated bus lanes will also be introduced to improve the efficiency of public transport, while wider footpaths and cycling tracks will encourage safer non motorised travel wherever feasible.

The master plan also proposes a complete transformation of unused spaces beneath flyovers. Instead of remaining vacant, these areas will be converted into vibrant public zones featuring food courts, small marketplaces and recreational spaces. The initiative is designed to make better use of urban land while creating lively community spaces across the city.

Special attention has been given to the growing gig economy workforce. Dedicated gig hubs will be established with shaded seating areas, WiFi connectivity, charging lockers and micro mobility docking stations for delivery partners and ride service workers. These facilities are expected to provide much needed comfort and convenience for thousands of people working across the corridor every day.

The project also includes modern auto rickshaw stands powered by solar energy. These facilities will feature digital queue management systems, making passenger boarding more organised while supporting environmentally friendly infrastructure.

According to officials, the design philosophy for the redevelopment has been inspired by successful urban infrastructure models in cities such as Hong Kong, Melbourne and several Canadian metropolitan areas. The objective is to bring global standards of mobility and public space planning to one of Bengaluru’s most congested transport corridors.

The proposal follows recent discussions led by Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who assured stakeholders that spaces beneath flyovers would be redesigned for meaningful public use instead of remaining neglected.

The Outer Ring Road corridor is one of Bengaluru’s busiest business districts, with offices employing nearly 642000 people. Every day, approximately 338000 vehicles use this stretch, making it one of the city’s most critical transport routes. Authorities believe the planned improvements will ease movement, improve pedestrian safety and create a more comfortable commuting experience for residents, office workers and visitors alike.