Two designers in Bengaluru have reimagined an often challenging flyover area at Racecourse Junction, turning it into a welcoming space for pedestrians. By reducing traffic space where unnecessary and adding resting points, their work makes crossing safer and street life more pleasant.
- Redesigned junction decreases pedestrian exposure time
- Pedestrian refuge island and seating now available
- Collaboration with BBMP and Sustainable Mobility Network
What happened
Bengaluru’s Racecourse Junction was identified as a challenging intersection where pedestrians had to navigate long, dangerous crossings dominated by vehicle traffic. Urban designers Nishita Parmar and Vedanti Agarwal studied actual movement patterns and noticed a significant imbalance: a wide left turn for cars was mostly underused, while many pedestrians were forced to cross that same stretch amid moving vehicles. Collaborating with principal designer Monik Shah and Compartment S4, they created a redesign plan featuring a pedestrian refuge island, more compact traffic turns, and new waiting areas.
This initiative was part of the Orbital project commissioned by the local Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and supported by the Sustainable Mobility Network. By December 2023, redevelopment started, and local reporting confirmed its completion by February 2025, with the installation of benches and pedestrian-friendly crossings. The intervention aimed to reduce pedestrian crossing times and enhance overall safety and comfort, benefiting students, office workers, and residents in this busy area.
Why it feels good
For pedestrians, spending less time exposed to traffic reduces stress and the risk of accidents, making daily walks more pleasant and safe. The new refuge island acts as a safe halfway point, allowing people to pause between crossing segments, which is especially valuable for children, elderly commuters, and those navigating heavy traffic. The inclusion of seats and greenery transforms the space from a hurried transit zone to a place where people can rest, wait, or even socialize.
The redesign also reflects a thoughtful approach to urban planning that prioritizes pedestrians over vehicles when justified by usage data. This encourages walking and can foster more community interaction in the public realm. It signals a shift toward more human-centered streetscapes, aligning with broader sustainable mobility goals and enhancing everyday urban life.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors and locals passing through Racecourse Junction can now appreciate the tangible benefits of the upgrade: safer crossings, comfortable seating, and pleasant greenery. Those making their commute on foot—students heading to nearby colleges or office workers—will notice the improved flow and feeling of safety. The success of this project invites attention to other intersections in Bengaluru and beyond where similar pedestrian-focused redesigns could improve urban living.
Urban design enthusiasts and community advocates might watch for future developments under the Orbital project and observe how these principles extend across the city. Continued monitoring of traffic and pedestrian outcomes may provide further data to encourage similar initiatives, combining observation-led design with community input to create safer, more welcoming streets.