Bengaluru: Global tenders invited for 16.7-km tunnel road linking Hebbal and Silk Board

The Bengaluru Suburban Mobility Infrastructure Limited Enterprise (B-SMILE) has invited international tenders for the ambitious 16.7-km Twin Tunnel Road project that aims to connect Hebbal’s Esteem Mall Junction in the north to the Silk Board Junction in the south. Planned in two phases, the underground route is expected to ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity across the city’s core transit corridors.

Also read: Bengaluru’s 16.75 km Hebbal-Silk Board tunnel to save 45+ minutes daily, says DCM Shivakumar

The project will be implemented in two segments of equal length—8.748 km each—under the Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model. The total concession period is set at 34 years, including a 50-month construction timeframe. If timelines are met, the tunnel will be operational by late 2029.

The first segment stretches from Esteem Mall to Seshadri Road near Race Course, while the second continues from Seshadri Road to Silk Board. Each segment will feature dual tunnels with three-lane carriageways in both directions and designated entry and exit ramps. A minimum of eight Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) will be deployed to execute the excavation and tunneling work.

Estimated at ₹8,770 crore for Package 1 and ₹8,928 crore for Package 2, the project mandates financial guarantees of ₹43.85 crore and ₹44.64 crore respectively from selected bidders.

Only contractors registered with BBMP, CPWD, KPWD, or other recognized public infrastructure bodies are eligible. Technical bids are due to open on September 3.