02-07-2025
From North to south, how Karnataka plans to solve Bengaluru's ‘slow' problem with Rs 18,000 crore ‘underground' project
The Karnataka government has approved a major tunnel project for Bengaluru. This project aims to significantly cut travel time between the northern and southern parts of the city. The 16-kilometre road tunnel will be built at a cost of Rs 17,780 crore. The tunnel will connect Esteem Mall to Central Silk Board.
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Bengaluru Tunnel to cut travel time by more than half
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Bengaluru underground tunnel: Toll charges and safety measures
Budget support and funding structure
Cabinet clears only the north-south corridor
The Karnataka government has approved a Rs 17,780 crore project to build a 16-kilometre road tunnel under Bengaluru, aiming to reduce travel time between the city's northern and southern parts. The project will be executed in two phases and will be the country's longest road tunnel once completed. Despite opposition from citizen groups and transport experts, the government plans to invite a global tender for the project proposed tunnel will run from Esteem Mall in Hebbal Junction to Central Silk Board Junction in HSR Layout. According to officials, the tunnel is expected to bring down travel time from around 60 minutes to 20–25 minutes. It will be constructed using eight Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) at a depth of 30 metres.: Esteem Mall to Seshadri Road: Seshadri Road to Silk Board JunctionThe tunnel will include two- or three-lane entry and exit points at various locations. Construction is likely to take 26 months, followed by 12 more months for civil and related tunnel will be tolled, with a proposed fee of Rs 19 per kilometre during the 2029–30 period. The private company selected for the project will be allowed to collect toll for 30 years after completion. However, two-wheelers will not be allowed inside the tunnel for safety and operational reasons, as reported by The Times of the presentation of the state budget in March, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said that the Karnataka government would act as a guarantor for two tunnel projects to be undertaken by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).The BBMP will provide 40% of the total project cost as Viability Gap Funding. The budget also proposed setting up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to execute the tunnel state government had originally planned two major tunnels: a north–south tunnel of 18.5 km and an east–west corridor of 28 km, with a combined estimated cost of ₹40,000 crore. However, in May, the cabinet approved only the north–south tunnel approved tunnel is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in Bengaluru's core areas.(With inputs from TOI)
