Minister Directs Makeover Plan for Bengaluru's Central Silk Board Junction

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda directed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials on Saturday to prepare a permanent development plan for a comprehensive makeover of the busy Central Silk Board Junction. The proposed plan is intended to improve traffic movement, pedestrian facilities, and public spaces at the major transit point.

During an inspection of the junction on Saturday, the minister symbolically launched the 'Ward One' campaign by initiating the painting of flyover pillars. The civic initiative will eventually be rolled out across 43 wards under the city's five municipal corporations, focusing on upgrading ward-level infrastructure and key road junctions.

Addressing officials during the inspection, the minister highlighted that Central Silk Board Junction functions as a critical traffic hub where several major transport networks converge, including the metro, an existing flyover, the Outer Ring Road, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) elevated road. He pointed out that lakhs of commuters travel through the junction every day.

To address civic needs at the site, the minister instructed GBA officials to earmark funds for the overall development of the junction. Under the proposed plan, the unused space beneath the flyover will be converted into a public area equipped with seating and recreational amenities. Planned additions include a dedicated throwball court, space for table tennis facilities that is currently being explored, a public toilet, and improved footpaths.

Infrastructure plans also focus on managing stormwater and pedestrian safety. Officials were directed to place a steel grid over the stormwater drain and construct a pedestrian walkway running alongside it. During the visit, the minister pulled up Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) officials after noticing untreated sewage flowing directly into the stormwater drain.

Additionally, officials were instructed to design a new drain running from Central Silk Board Junction towards HSR Layout to prevent waterlogging and flooding during heavy rains. The minister stated that this drainage work must be coordinated with the ongoing white-topping project in the area.