Entry for cars only; 18-km tunnel road coming up in city

BENGALURU: People in Bengaluru continue to spend hours stuck in traffic jams, as the fast-growing city struggles with worsening congestion. To tackle the issue, the Karnataka government is planning an 18.2 km tunnel road connecting Hebbal Road and Silk Board Junction, but the project has already triggered political controversy. BJP leader and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has come out in opposition to the plan.

The proposed double-decker underground tunnel will start at Hebbal and end at Silk Board Junction. The upper deck is designed for private cars, while the lower deck is meant for Namma Metro. With 12 entry and exit points, the tunnel aims to cut travel time from 45–60 minutes to just 10–12 minutes, with a speed limit of 60 km/h. The project, estimated to cost Rs 5,000 crore, is expected to be completed by 2029.

Tejasvi Surya said he plans to meet Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to express his objections and suggest alternatives. “I have sought a 30-minute meeting with the Deputy CM. We will discuss the tunnel project’s impacts and possible alternatives,” he said.

The MP stated that he opposes the project because it passes through Lalbagh Botanical Garden and is meant only for private car users, not for the general public.

Tejasvi also alleged that DK Shivakumar has not fully understood the problems linked to the project and that no environmental impact study has been conducted. “Officials have not given him the right information. Once he understands the reality, I believe he will withdraw the project,” Surya added.

DK Shivakumar, however, responded that he does not intend to reply to the MP’s statements.