Bengaluru: After years of missed deadlines, Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL) has set Dec as the latest target for completing the long-delayed Rs 488-crore Varthur elevated corridor, raising hopes for commuters on one of the most congested stretches near Bengaluru’s tech corridor.The revised deadline was announced at a review meeting Monday, where KRDCL managing director Susheelamma N and project officials directed the contractor to expedite pending works and complete the project by year-end.The 100ft elevated corridor on SH-35, work on which began on May 20, 2019, was originally scheduled for completion by Nov 2021. Land acquisition, utility shifting, approvals, and execution delays have since pushed the project back repeatedly, leaving lakhs of commuters from Varthur, Gunjur and surrounding areas battling congestion and prolonged construction.“Eighty per cent of the land acquisition is complete, and the delay appears to be largely on the contractor’s end. We’ll ensure the project is completed by year-end without fail,” said KRDCL managing director Susheelamma N.KRDCL said it plans to hold a meeting with residents to hear their grievances and review the ongoing works on the ground. The agency has completed side-drain works and demolished more than 50 properties between Varthur Kodi and Varthur police station, but pending land acquisition and right-of-way issues continue to hamper progress.Despite the latest assurance, residents remain sceptical after six years of missed deadlines.Crumbling infrastructureThe SH-35 corridor connecting Whitefield, Varthur, Gunjur, Sarjapur, and Outer Ring Road has seen rapid residential and commercial growth, but infrastructure has failed to keep pace. Narrow carriageways, unfinished drains, damaged roads, and missing footpaths continue to trouble commuters. “The road is in a perpetual state of construction. During summer, dust enters homes and vehicles. During rain, potholes disappear under water, making commuting dangerous,” said a Varthur resident.The corridor is also dotted with schools, hospitals and residential communities, with congestion frequently delaying school buses, emergency vehicles and public transport.Citizen groups said they have submitted over 100 representations to KRDCL, Greater Bengaluru Authority, and elected representatives, seeking faster execution and a firm completion timeline. With the latest deadline set for Dec 2026, residents said they would judge the project by progress on the ground, not official assurances.Land acquisition hurdleAccording to data, 14 properties are yet to be acquired, with cases pending over Transferable Development Rights (TDR) or cash compensation. Several property owners are yet to consent to TDR or submit the required documents.Authorities have indicated that land acquisition proceedings under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act-2013 may be initiated where TDR processing is not feasible. On the Varthur police station–Gunjur stretch, officials have also directed KRDCL to take possession of the road land required for drains so pending works can proceed without delay.TOI reality checkA recent TOI visit to the Varthur-Gunjur stretch on a rainy afternoon revealed grim conditions. Commuters navigated cratered roads, waterlogged potholes and barricaded drain-work stretches, while debris from demolished structures narrowed the road further.School buses, cars, two-wheelers and autos jostled for space, causing long queues. Pedestrians waited along narrow road edges amid moving traffic. Residents said the stretch becomes particularly hazardous during rain, when potholes are hard to spot and roads turn slushy.What Residents SayMonalisa Goswami, Varthur resident, said: “The corridor has seen rapid growth, but infrastructure has failed to keep pace. Residents continue to grapple with poor roads, missing footpaths, drainage problems and severe congestion. With multiple agencies involved, there is still little clarity on timelines or accountability. The question remains: who will take responsibility and finish the project?”Sanjiv Sharma, another resident, said: “I think apartments were approved without ensuring existing infrastructure could handle the additional traffic. Even good roads may not solve the problem if development continues unchecked. Large projects near Dommasandra are due for occupancy soon, while more apartments in Gunjur are expected within a year. We are already suffering every day, and the situation could only worsen.”Project TimelineMay 2019: KRDCL awards Varthur Elevated Corridor projectNov 2021: Original completion deadline2022-2025: Delays linked to land acquisition, right-of-way issues and approvals2026: Multiple portions still pending; residents seek intervention and accountabilityDec 2026: New deadline to finish projectWhat Residents Want* Public disclosure of current project status* Time-bound completion schedule* Monthly progress reports* Single nodal officer for coordination* Faster resolution of land acquisition issues* Review of contractor performance* Safe footpaths and proper drainage across the corridor* Accountability for delays since 2019
