Karnataka Grants NOC for Bairakuppa Bridge, Shortening Bengaluru Route by 40 km

The Karnataka government has finally granted a No‑Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Bairakuppa bridge, a long‑delayed infrastructure project that has been on hold for 36 years. The decision follows years of petitions from local residents and development agencies seeking a faster link to the state capital.

The bridge will span the Bairakuppa region and connect it directly to the existing highway network, creating a new route that could reduce the distance to Bengaluru by roughly 40 kilometres. Transport analysts estimate that the shortcut will shave off about an hour and a half from the current travel time.

Officials say the project will boost local commerce by easing the movement of goods and people, and it is expected to spur further development in the surrounding districts. The NOC also paves the way for the next phase of construction, which is slated to begin early next year.

While the NOC marks a significant milestone, stakeholders are urging the state to expedite the construction process to realise the anticipated economic benefits as soon as possible.