What Is 100 Feet Road

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Last updated: April 12, 2026

Quick Answer: 100 Feet Road, officially named Dr S. K. Karim Khan Road since 2014, is a major commercial thoroughfare in Bangalore, India, connecting Old Madras Road to Old Airport Road through the Indiranagar locality. Originally developed as a residential area in the 1960s-1970s, it has transformed into one of Bangalore's premier shopping and dining destinations, particularly following the IT boom of the late 1990s.

Key Facts

100 Feet Road was originally built in the 1960s by the Mysore Sub-Area Officers Housing Colony as a residential area
The road was officially renamed Dr S. K. Karim Khan Road in 2014 after a renowned Kannada poet and folklorist
The IT industry boom of the late 1990s catalyzed the transformation of 100 Feet Road from residential to commercial use
The road passes through four distinct sections: Indira Nagar 1st Stage, Indira Nagar 2nd Stage, Defence Colony, and HAL 2nd Stage
Today, 100 Feet Road hosts over 500+ retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and brand outlets including international fashion brands like Wrangler, Levi's, and Raymonds

Overview

100 Feet Road, officially designated as Dr S. K. Karim Khan Road since 2014, stands as one of Bangalore's most vibrant and commercially significant thoroughfares. Located in the Indiranagar locality, this iconic road stretches approximately 2.5 kilometers, connecting Old Madras Road on the eastern end with Old Airport Road on the western end. The road serves as a critical commercial artery that links four distinct sections of Indiranagar: Indira Nagar 1st Stage, Indira Nagar 2nd Stage, Defence Colony, and HAL 2nd Stage.

What makes 100 Feet Road particularly distinctive is its remarkable transformation from a quiet residential boulevard into a bustling commercial hub that has become synonymous with shopping, dining, and entertainment in Bangalore. The renaming to Dr S. K. Karim Khan Road honored the contributions of the renowned Kannada poet, folklorist, and cultural icon who significantly influenced Kannada literature and regional heritage. Today, the road is home to over 500 retail establishments, making it one of the most sought-after commercial destinations for businesses and consumers alike.

How It Works

100 Feet Road functions as a multi-purpose commercial corridor that serves various roles within Bangalore's retail and hospitality ecosystem. The road's unique characteristics allow it to accommodate diverse business types, from high-end retail chains to local boutiques, ensuring a rich shopping experience for visitors from across the city and beyond.

Retail Hub: The road operates as Bangalore's premier fashion and shopping destination, hosting numerous international and Indian retail brands including Wrangler, Levi's, Allen Solley, Reid & Taylor, Park Avenue, Raymonds, and Peter England, catering to diverse consumer preferences and budgets.
Dining and Entertainment: Beyond shopping, 100 Feet Road functions as a major food and beverage corridor with hundreds of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bars offering cuisines ranging from traditional South Indian to international options, creating a vibrant social hub.
Professional Services: The road accommodates various professional establishments including clinics, dental offices, ayurvedic centers, beauty salons, and personal care services that complement the retail and dining ecosystem.
Cultural and Educational Services: Numerous bookstores, educational institutes, gyms, and cultural centers operate along the road, serving the intellectual and wellness needs of the surrounding community.
Real Estate and Commercial Leasing: The high commercial value of properties on 100 Feet Road makes it an attractive location for businesses seeking premium addresses, with commercial rents reflecting the road's prestige and foot traffic.
Transportation and Connectivity: The road functions as a major transportation artery, connecting various parts of East Bangalore and facilitating seamless access via multiple bus routes and metro connectivity options.

Key Details

Aspect	Details	Significance	Current Status
Historical Development	Constructed in 1960s-1970s as residential area for housing colonies	Original purpose was to provide residential infrastructure for government officers and HAL employees	Completely transformed into commercial space by 2000s
Official Designation	Dr S. K. Karim Khan Road (renamed in 2014)	Honors the legacy of a prominent Kannada poet and cultural figure	Widely known by both old and new names among residents
Geographic Span	Approximately 2.5 kilometers connecting Old Madras Road to Old Airport Road	Strategic positioning in East Bangalore makes it accessible from multiple parts of the city	Serves as vital commercial corridor for southeast Bangalore region
Commercial Density	Over 500 registered commercial establishments including retail, F&B, and services	Highest density of branded retail stores in South Bangalore, rivaling T. Nagar in Chennai	Continues to attract new businesses and maintain high vacancy minimization rates

The transformation of 100 Feet Road from a residential locality to a thriving commercial center represents one of Bangalore's most successful urban commercial developments. The road's success can be attributed to its strategic location, excellent connectivity, and the massive influx of IT professionals into Indiranagar during the technology boom. Over the past two decades, almost every residential plot along the road has been converted into commercial property, creating a unique landscape where traditional retail coexists with modern shopping malls and contemporary dining establishments.

Why It Matters

Economic Significance: 100 Feet Road contributes substantially to Bangalore's economy, generating significant revenue through commercial transactions, property taxes, and employment opportunities for thousands of retail and hospitality workers.
Urban Planning Model: The road serves as a case study in successful urban transformation and mixed-use development, demonstrating how strategic planning and market forces can create vibrant commercial corridors in Indian cities.
Retail Standardization: The presence of major national and international brands on 100 Feet Road has established it as a benchmark for retail standards and consumer expectations in Bangalore, influencing shopping patterns across the metropolitan area.
Tourism and Travel: The road has become a mandatory destination for tourists and visitors to Bangalore, contributing to the city's tourism economy and enhancing Bangalore's reputation as a modern, cosmopolitan metropolitan center.
Employment Generation: With over 5,000 employees working across various establishments, the road generates substantial direct and indirect employment, supporting families and contributing to the local economy.

The significance of 100 Feet Road extends beyond its commercial metrics to represent a broader narrative of how Indian cities adapt and evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economic landscape. As Bangalore continues to position itself as a global city, 100 Feet Road remains a symbol of urban dynamism, entrepreneurial spirit, and the seamless integration of commerce, culture, and community. The road continues to evolve, with newer restaurant chains, retail concepts, and service providers constantly entering the market, ensuring that it remains relevant and vibrant for both long-time residents and newcomers to the city.