Bengaluru, July 25: Thousands of commuters in west Bengaluru received long-awaited relief on Saturday as the newly constructed Kengeri–Hejjala Railway Under Bridge (RUB) was officially opened to traffic, restoring a crucial road link that had remained closed for nearly seven months. The underpass replaces the former railway level crossing between Kengeri and Hejjala railway stations, promising smoother travel, improved road safety, and faster connectivity for residents and industries in the region.
The road had been closed since December 7, 2025, to facilitate construction of the railway under bridge by South Western Railway. During the closure, commuters travelling between Ramohalli–Dodda Alada Mara Road and the Bengaluru–Mysuru Highway were forced to take lengthy detours of 7 to 10 kilometres through narrow village roads. Daily travel times increased significantly, with journeys that once took around ten minutes often stretching to nearly an hour during peak traffic.
The reopening is expected to provide major relief not only to local residents but also to thousands of workers employed in the industrial belt around Kumbalgodu. More than 500 industries depend on this transport corridor for the movement of employees, goods, and commercial vehicles. Heavy truck diversions during the construction period had also caused damage to village roads and civic infrastructure in nearby areas.
Railway officials stated that replacing the level crossing with an underpass will eliminate delays caused by passing trains and significantly improve both road and railway safety. The project forms part of Indian Railways’ broader initiative to replace manned level crossings with grade-separated infrastructure to enhance traffic flow and reduce accident risks.
Residents have welcomed the reopening, describing it as a major improvement to daily commuting and regional connectivity. The completion of the project ahead of its originally anticipated timeline is also being viewed as a positive step in strengthening Bengaluru’s transport infrastructure and supporting the city’s growing industrial and residential areas.
