Bengaluru tunnel road plan scaled down: Only 1 km pilot stretch to be built initially

Bengaluru’s tunnel road project shrinks to 1 km trial stretch

The much-debated Bengaluru tunnel road project, once envisioned as a 16-km underground corridor from Hebbal Esteem Mall to Silk Board Junction, is now being taken up only on a 1 km pilot basis, according to GBA Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao.

Addressing reporters, Rao said the decision to limit the initial construction to a small stretch was made after technical reviews and public opposition to the large-scale plan. The pilot stretch will be built from Hebbal Esteem Mall to the Veterinary Hospital, marking the first phase of the project.

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Earlier, the GBA had planned to construct the entire 16 km twin-tunnel road in one go, connecting north and south Bengaluru to ease traffic congestion. However, several challenges, including environmental concerns, high project cost, and civic opposition, have led to a reconsideration of the approach.
“The project faced multiple hurdles at the start. So, instead of taking up the full project, we have decided to build just one kilometre first. Based on the outcome and feasibility, further expansion will be decided,” Maheshwar Rao said.

The tunnel road proposal has drawn criticism from several quarters, including political leaders, transport experts, and citizen groups, who argue that it prioritizes cars over public transport. Responding to these concerns, GBA officials have said that the pilot will help assess the project’s practicality, benefits, and challenges before committing to full implementation.

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Rao confirmed that after evaluating the success of the initial phase, including cost efficiency, environmental impact, and traffic benefits, the GBA will decide whether to extend the project in future stages.